Kiwi challenger ready to spoil Aussie Party

Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) is aiming to end Australia’s Hunter Cup dominance after securing a brilliant harness racing barrier draw for Saturday night’s Sportsbet A.G. Hunter Cup.

Kiwi’s Mark Purdon, Tony Herlihy and Anthony Butt have historically dominated Victoria’s premier pacing feature. However, King Of Swing’s 2020 triumph marked the last time a New Zeland pacer claimed victory in the prestigious Grand Circuit event.

Trained by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety, the son out of Democrat Party enters the Group 1 event with top credentials, having recently won the 2024 Auckland Cup. Adding to their confidence was Tuesday morning barrier draw, which handed the New Zealand pacer the prized pole position.

“There must’ve been a mistake there, hasn’t there? A Kiwi drawing one!,” Cran Dalgety laughed.

“It’s a massive bonus for us, especially when you consider how much ratings matter here at Melton and with Tact McLeod (trained by Mark Jones) alongside us, it’s set up to be a real open spectacle.”

Leap To Fame, widely regarded as Australia’s best pacer, has drawn barrier eight, starting on the second row. “If we wanted to beat Leap To Fame, eighth is exactly where we’d want him,” Dalgety added.

Last week, Republican Party finished third in the Hertz Melton Casey Classic, behind champion Leap To Fame and fellow Kiwi Tact McLeod, who was second.

“Unless you win, people don’t think you’re going well, but he’s right there with the top three,” Dalgety said. “He ran 27.4 down the back and came home in 26 flat. It was a winner’s run—but just not the winner. Based on performance, we’re not far off those two.”

The Casey Classic was the five-year-old’s maiden run on Victorian soil and his first start in Australia since early 2023.

“We definitely wanted that hit-out before the big race,” Dalgety explained. “Coming here after his NZ prep and getting used to the climate and atmosphere makes a big difference.”

The bay gelding, out of Democrat Party, has come through his preparation in excellent condition ahead of the 2760m feature.

“He’ll be a couple of percentages better for this run—that’s just how it works with the preparation,” he said..

Drawing gate one gives driver Carter Dalgety plenty of tactical options.

“We’d love to lead or trail, but it depends on what happens outside the front row,” Cran Dalgety said. “Either way, we’ll get an economical trip near the rail—we won’t be buried too far back.”

The Sportsbet A.G. Hunter Cup is scheduled for 8:43 PM.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Victoria