A tenacious performance on Show Day has Kentuckiana Lodge pacer Casino Action in line for a big effort in the Timaru Challenge Stakes.
The three-year-old produced a creditable fourth on the second day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival after working hard three wide and sitting parked outside of the leader in a talented field.
After bouncing through that tough effort well, trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety are now targeting a winnable feature on a big day of racing at Timaru.
“Luck didn’t come our way on Show Day but I thought he ran super,” Cran said.
“To work as he did and stick on so well, there was a lot of merit in the run.”
“We were expecting him to feel the effects of that run, but he has come through it great.”
“So we have packed the bags for Timaru.”
“It looks like a nice opportunity for him and with just the four of them to come up against there shouldn’t be any excuses.”
Casino Action lines up from the outside of the front line with Blair Orange to drive.
Though it’s not an ideal draw, horse and driver have plenty of options.
“He has shown plenty of gate speed in the past so Blair will be able to decide what he wants to do early,” Cran said.
“The small fields can be tactical races but we are fortunate to have the top driver on.”
“Wherever he ends up, we are expecting a bold performance.”
The Dalgety stable also starts Carmelite in race 2 on Saturday.
Dropping in class from racing the best fillies at Group One level, the two-year-old should be highly competitive.
“She got stuck behind a couple in the Group One which didn’t help her cause, but once she got into the clear her effort was very respectable.”
“We thought we could slip her into a maiden race and grab a quick win, but they have given us barrier 9.”
“It won’t be easy from there, but with any luck in running she can still be right there.”
Ajira also comes out of racing on Show Day at Addington ahead of the Timaru meeting.
The three-year-old looks well suited in race 10, dropping out of a deeper premier race.
“He was close up at Addington, he had a nice run but the leader didn’t take him to the passing lane which didn’t help.”
“To finish as close as he did, it looks nice form heading into Saturday.”
“Again the draw (7) isn’t ideal but in an even field we would expect him to be there when the cameras are flashing.”
Blair Orange also drives both Carmelite and Ajira on Saturday.
