Forever Dream and Joyride will complete two vastly different paths to the Group One Ace Of Diamonds for Kentuckiana Lodge on Friday night.
The two-year-old fillies will go head-to-head at Addington for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety.
Look at Kentuckiana Lodge’s New Zealand yearling draft in 2023 and you won’t see either filly, but Cran is very thankful both have made their way to the stable.
“Forever Dream was broken in at another stable then eventually made her way to us and she’s done a super job.”
“Joyride as many will know, we had to go all the way to Sydney to get our hands on her at the sales.”
“Neither of them were in our initial plans with our youngsters, but we are certainly glad they are with us now because they are genuine chances in a Group One event.”
Cran admits he can’t split his two fillies who are evenly poised going into the Ace Of Diamonds.
“Both are fit, healthy and well and have been running nice races.”
“Forever Dream has the advantage drawing 4, and she has been proven she can compete with the top-level fillies.”
“Her last run in the Group One on Show Day was very good and she looks a nice chance.”
“Joyride has done everything asked of her and this is her time to step up to the big time.”
“We are confident she can handle it at this level, she is a tough wee thing and she won’t be frightened when the acid comes on.”
“I wouldn’t like to say one is better placed than the other, although the draw will help Forever Dream.”
Kentuckiana Lodge will also start All You Need Is Me in the Group One New Zealand Oaks on Friday night.
The filly comes into the classic event after running a very meritorious fifth in her last attempt at Group One level in the Nevele R Fillies Series Final.
“She drew 14 last week and as everyone knows, over the 1980m at Addington it’s a nightmare.”
“So to work hard throughout and finish just over a couple of lengths from them, it was a great run.”
“Unfortunately we have been handed a tricky draw again, but that is out of our hands.”
“She’s fit and healthy and working very well, so if she gets any luck they will know she is there.”
Kentuckiana Lodge will also start Magician in the Ian Dobson Memorial on Friday night.
The three-year-old steps up in grade after a gritty fourth on Show Day.
