Plenty of spice in Hannon – The Clash of the Titans

Alta Wiseguy (Mach Three) is likely to start the harness racing favourite for Sunday’s (Sep. 18) Hannon Memorial at Oamaru.

But there’ll also be plenty of interest in Akuta (Bettor’s Delight) and Krug (Bettor’s Delight), two young horses with massive followings.

And speculation as to whether they’ll add some spice of this year’s New Zealand Cup.

Krug’s trainer Cran Dalgety says he’s happy with the four year old entire leading into Sunday’s Group Three Feature.

“He’s definitely matured. He’s as heathy and as fit as we can get him until we get to the races. Like all sport you can train until you’re blue in the face, but you need game time,” Dalgety said.

Dalgety said in the horse’s two trials, Krug has been driven conservatively.

Akuta was in outstanding form at the end of his last campaign, winning his last three starts, including the Group One Northern Derby.

“His two trials have been nice, but he still needs race fitness. Going into the race on Sunday I’d be rapt if he could run a place. He’s stepped well at the trials and at home, so hopefully he can step cleanly at the race,” Purdon said.

Purdon says he has a lot of respect for Alta Wiseguy which impressively won the Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup last week.

“He will take a lot of beating but I think Akuta has a very good place chance.”

Amanda Telfer who co-trains Alta Wiseguy with brother Steve is happy with her charge’s progress going into Sunday’s feature pace.

“He’s come through the run great. He’s bright and happy. I see that Akuta and Krug have drawn inside of him but he’s a safe and quick beginner so he’ll put himself into the race and we’ll see what happens,” Amanda said.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink