The work is done. Now let’s bring it on.
That’s the message from Cran Dalgety ahead of Kentuckiana Lodge lining up serious threats in Group One races across New Zealand this weekend.
The action starts with Beside Me in the Northern Oaks before Republican Party seeks more Group One glory in the New Zealand Messenger Championship.
On Sunday, attention turns to Southland with youngsters Freeze Frame and Treacherous Dreams in the Diamond Creek Farm Classic on Diamonds Day.
The Kentuckiana Lodge team has been working across the country to have their horses ready to rumble in their big assignments.
With all horses fit, healthy, and well, Cran can’t wait for the battles to begin.
“It is not often you have horses in Group One races at opposite ends of the country, but it is quite exciting."
"Luckily, we have a great team around us, so we’ve been able to give the horses the preparations they need."
"The team up north all worked really well, and the team at home has been quite pleased with how our two youngsters have been preparing for their big trip south."
"With everyone in good shape, we can’t wait to get things underway."
"These are the races we all want to win, so bring it on.”
Republican Party has barrier 1 in the New Zealand Messenger Championship, which is one of two big pluses for the star pacer.
“He’s raced very well recently over the shorter trips, but he’s a proven performer in these big races over the longer distances, so it’s exciting he gets another shot at one."
"From the one draw, he is going to get his shot to show off that staying prowess."
"Ideally, we’ll have a few off the bit and chasing us hard in that final 600m."
"One thing is for sure—we won’t die wondering.”
Beside Me is set to start a red-hot favourite in her first Oaks assignment following her classy win at Alexandra Park last week.
With a strong week of training behind her, everything points to another big performance on Friday night.
“She is another who is very good over the shorter distances, but her staying prowess is arguably even better."
"We’ve been itching to get her to an Oaks distance so that she can show that."
"She’s in great health and everything has gone to plan this week."
"I am sure she will run well.”
Fugitive and The Queen’s Gambit start in Young Guns Series heats at Alexandra Park on Friday night, while Whatz My Choice and Bettor Belle also step out at Addington.
Freeze Frame and Treacherous Dreams get their shot at Group One glory in what will be just their third raceday starts on Diamonds Day on Sunday.
Freeze Frame has been excellent in his two second-place finishes so far and looks set to run another strong race."
“He’s been very professional in his two starts and that is a definite advantage in a field of inexperienced horses."
"We probably didn’t get the draw we wanted, but the way the race pans out will decide if it’s a good one or a bad one."
"He’s a lovely horse and he is ready to run a serious race.”
Treacherous Dreams has the advantage of drawing barrier 2, which looks like a good help to the pacer.
“His last start was solid, but he can produce a lot better."
"It was a big adventure heading south for the first time last week."
"With an extra week to settle in down south and having that race under his belt, he’s going to be a stronger force this week.”
Ragazzo Major also steps out on Diamonds Day for Kentuckiana Lodge, while Whatz My Choice is set to start at Rangiora on Sunday.
