By Jonny Turner
The work has been done, and now it’s up to Kentuckiana Lodge’s stars, Republican Party and Krug, to give it their all in the IRT New Zealand Cup on Tuesday.
Cran and Chrissie Dalgety will head to Addington with the knowledge that their horses are trained to the minute for New Zealand’s greatest harness race.
After pleasing in their work leading into the big day, it is now up to the horses to bring their best to the track.
“The days leading into big Group One races, you hope everything goes to plan, but history tells us this is the time when things can go haywire,” Cran said.
“So far, it has been smooth sailing with these boys, and we have our fingers crossed it will be the same up until the tapes are released.”
“They are healthy and very well, and it will be up to the horse and driver on the day now.”
“They had a more serious hit out during the week, and then over the weekend, they had some quieter work, and they both worked very well.”
Cran has been asked by a few people leading into the New Zealand Cup which horse is the stable’s better chance. And there is no way he can split Krug and Republican Party.
“I have been asked a few times, and I really can’t split them. They are totally different types in terms of their racing styles, and they are as capable of being as brilliant as each other.”
“I think everyone knows what Krug can do when he is in the zone; if he begins well and gets into a happy rhythm, he has proven how brilliant he can be.”
“You probably know what you’ll get with Republican Party; he is very classy and very honest.”
“With both having front-line draws, they can be right amongst it if they step away on the right foot, which they have been doing.”
“We don’t know what will happen on the day, but it is a pleasure to be heading to the New Zealand Cup with two quality animals we were able to select from the sales.”
Carter Dalgety will combine with Krug once again, while Blair Orange will make a return from injury to attempt to win his third consecutive New Zealand Cup with Republican Party.
Kentuckiana Lodge will start a powerful team of nine horses on New Zealand Cup Day, including Sweet Coco in the Group One Nevele R Fillies Series Final.
“Sweet Coco has shown when she’s on her game she’s up to competing with the best fillies. She has pleased us after running second at Addington, and from a good draw, she has to be in the hunt,” Cran said.
Franco Sinatra also steps out in the Group Three Junior Free-For-All in the Dalgety colors.
“On a very wet track, his last run is best forgotten; he was outstanding fresh up, and his work over the past week has been great. This is his toughest test, but we wouldn’t have him in this company if we didn’t think he is up to it.”
Kentuckiana Lodge will also start Casino Action, Fernetti, Coney Island Lou, Ohoka Le Bron, and Watermelon Sugar on New Zealand Cup Day.
