Despite what the papers may say or what the odds may suggest the Kentuckiana Lodge team are not getting ahead of themselves as Krug steps out in the Redcliffe Derby on Saturday night.
The star three-year-old will make his Australian debut on the triangle shaped Redcliffe track with many speculating he is a sure thing.
And with some even suggesting it is unusual that he is contesting the race.
But Cran Dalgety isn't getting involved in any of that sort of pre-race nonsense, he will go into the race with full respect for Krug's rivals.
“The horse has got two big races coming up and he needs to be fit and ready for them, so why wouldn’t we want to line him up at Redcliffe?” Cran said.
“They’re saying it is going to be easy for him, but you have to be prepared for any derby race and we will go in with full respect for the opposition.”
“I would say he is going into it at about 95%, he is pretty ready.”
“He has thrived since he has been over here, you wouldn’t even know they have a winter here and the horses love it.”
Krug was plain in his last start at the Harness Jewels when having every hope in the trail and seeming to throw the race away when ready to hit the front.
Cran admitted he was disappointed with the colt's effort but has been quick to move on from the performance, which would have rated as a great result if Krug were any regular three-year-old.
“It did look like he was there to win it and threw it away the last 100m.”
“But in saying that we don’t want to be taking anything away from the winner, who is a very good horse.”
“But our horse didn’t stick his neck out like he can, which is a first for him.”
“We will forgive him for that and move on.”
Dalgety’s brother-in-law, Anthony Butt, takes the reins behind Krug in the Redcliffe Derby.
The pair will go around at short odds after drawing barrier 5.
After Redcliffe, Krug will head straight into the $A250,000 The Rising Sun where he will clash with fellow Kiwis Copy That and Amazing Dream.
Anthony Butt will drive Copy That in the Group One The Rising Sun with Blair Orange set to reunite with Krug.
Chrissie Dalgety has things well under control at home base with four horses lining up in New Zealand this weekend.
Sugar Me went a big race at Addington on Friday night when running home strongly for second in race 8 after making an early mistake.
After Krug goes around on Saturday night, Shards In Manhattan will start at Timaru on Sunday.
- By Jonny Turner
