By Adam Hamilton
Caretaker trainer Carter Dalgety certainly hasn’t conceded the Saturday’s Chariots Of Fire at Menangle to buzz Aussie pacer Captain Ravishing.
Dalgety is buoyed by how well Republican Party has thrived in Australia, along with a potentially tricky draw for Captain Ravishing (1).
“I’m really looking forward to the race, to be honest,” he said.
Captain Ravishing is a $1.25 favourite with Republican Party third favourite at $11.
“Our guy couldn’t be better. He won well here a couple of weeks back and the two weeks between runs has been perfect,” says Dalgety.
“He’s only a little fella and he’s absolutely thrived. He’s bang-on.”
Republican Party drew barrier nine, but will start from eight if the emergencies come out.
“I don’t mind the draw. He’s a bit out of sight, out of mind. The pressure is off,” he said.
“Blair’s got options from there and he doesn’t have to get involved in what I’m sure will be an early burn.
“As you know, he’s led-up in so many of his races back home because that’s how it’s played out, but I think he’s better following a helmet. He’s so fast. He just explodes off two strides.
“In front, he tends to wait for them, but in trackwork he just launches when you pull him out of a trail.
“He’s right up with some of the best ones we’ve had.”
Like most people, Dalgety has been tossing around what barrier one means for Captain Ravishing given he hasn’t been buzzed off the gate in his eight starts for Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin.
“It’s got everyone talking, hasn’t it?” he said. “I guess you’d say it will take him out of his comfort zone from how he’s been driven so far.
“Whatever happens, you’d think he’ll have to run a very quick first quarter to hold the lead, maybe in the 25s.
“He looks exceptional and he can probably do it and win, but we’re going to find out more about him.
“If he does hold the front, we can’t let him then get a breather in that second quarter.
“Blair (Orange, driver) will know what to do, but if the pace backs off, I wouldn’t be afraid to get around them and make sure Captain Ravishing doesn’t get too easy a time in front in that second split if he holds the lead.”
The Group 1 Chariots Of Fire goes at 1.52pm NZT Saturday night.
