Let’s get his party started

Cran Dalgety says Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) is ready to go.

“He’s as fit as we can get him so it’s just about going to the races. It’s not a gimme because he’s got Marketplace and It’s Tough there. He’s going to have to work for his money now, but he’s not showing any seven year old signs or seventy one start issues. We’ll still treat him as a young three year old and keep going,” said Dalgety who trains with his wife Chrissie.

Republican Party is the lone backmarker starting off 20 metres, but according to Dalgety it won’t be an issue.

“He flies the blocks and he’ll be right amongst them. There’s a group of them off 10 metres (Marketplace, Mo’unga and It’s Tough). Being by himself you can make your own arrangements and you don’t have anyone looking at you or pushing you sideways.”

Republican Party has had three trials.

“After his second trial he turned. Being a seven year old stallion they get a bit gross inside, so they just need a little bit more (work). In saying that, you don’t want to wear them out and for them to go stale mentally. He’s roaring round here now and thinking he’s King Kong.”

Dalgety says Friday night’s Chairman’s Handicap is a winnable race for Republican Party.

“On talent yes, but he’s got to circle the field whether that be midrace or at the end. He’s got a couple of good ones to get past.”

The Dalgetys have two runners in the Alsco Uniforms Mobile Pace for two year olds; Avalon (King Of Swing) who will be driven by his son Carter and Aardies Ideal (American Ideal which Jonny Cox will handle.

Avalon was fifth on debut at Addington two weeks ago.

“He’s a pretty nice horse and I’d like to think he’d be pretty hard to beat in that race.”

Aardie’s Ideal has had three starts and finished ninth in his last outing.

“Carter was a wee bit excited with him for the first part of his last race and it took a toll. He had a couple of nice placings before that. He’ll race good. He’s a gold coin each way rather than the mortgage horse.”

Razor Horizon (American Ideal) and Aardie’s Memphis (Bettor’s Delight) will front up for the Dalgetys in Race Four.

Razor Horizon draws barrier six and will be driven by Anthony Butt.

“He needs to lift his game.”

Aardie’s Memphis draws the inside of the second row with Carter doing the steering.

“He’s a Barney’s Bargain Bin horse we bought cheaply off Gavelhouse a few months ago. I can’t say he’s a Cup horse, but he’s been a real quiet achiever. In the grade he’s in he’ll be hard to beat again. He’s got a lot of speed.”

Race Five sees the return of trotter Tetrick (Timoko).

“He’s come up super. He’s bigger, uglier and growlier than last campaign. If he’d had a race under his belt he would have been the horse to beat. The way he’s trotting he could be lucky enough to burgle it. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Three year old filly Lizzie Borden (Downbytheseaside) resumes in Race Six.

“She trialed super last week and I’m really happy with her. She’s come back great. I think she’ll be hard to bowl in that race.”

Freeze Frame (Bettor’s Delight), Franco Ankara (Captain Crunch), Marble Arch (Always B Miki) and Eun Sogno (Captain Crunch) all start in the Lazarus Stakes.

“We’ve got four in the race but we’re all running for second so we’re just going to see which one can run second (chuckle). Jumal is the yardstick. He’s the best horse there and he’s very fast.”

Freeze Frame gets the best draw at two and will be handled by Kim Butt.

“At his last start he just got caught up in an early speed dual. When they break 25 in the lead time it’s very hard to be in the top three at the end of the race. He’s bounced out of it better.”

Franco Ankara won his last start at Addington and has now won three of his ten starts.

“He’s got a lot of speed and if he can end up somewhere without doing a lot of work he can sprint with the best of them.”

Carter will drive the three year old gelding.

Marble Arch looked good in winning his last start at Oamaru, but this is a step up.

“He’ll compete well. He went good at Oamaru.”

He’ll be driven by Zachary Butcher.

Eun Sogno draws the widest of the Kentuckiana foursome, getting the eight marble.

“He’s a quiet achiever. He went great last week for fifth. He was last at the 300. He’s not the famed horse, but he’s doing the business.”

Rick May takes the drive.

Three year old filly Cherish Me (Downbytheseaside) resumes in Race Eleven. She’s won four of her five starts and has risen through the grades quickly.

“She’s had five starts and she’s racing against horses that have had 105 starts (toungue in cheek) and won lots of money. Being a three year old filly she could go super, but get a blood nose. It was the only race she can be in. It’s a wee bit cruel on her but I’ve got my hands tied. She’s got a lot of talent but she’ll need to have it this week to run in the top three.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink