Krug sizzles a quick mile rate

We knew he was a beast, but wow.

Krug (Bettor’s Delight) could not have been more impressive as he said goodbye to New Zealand ahead of his Chariots Of Fire campaign in a sensational win at Cambridge at on Friday night.

Expertly handled by Todd Mitchell, the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained four-year-old stopped the clock in his brutal 1700m win in a sizzling 1.52.7 mile rate.

That time broke the all-comers’ track record at Cambridge, signalling the pacer couldn’t be heading to Australia in better form.

“That is the perfect note to go to Australia on,” Cran said.

“When you are lucky enough to go have one with a bit of ability you go into most races with a bit of confidence.”

“Even from the 8 draw we were hopeful of a big run.”

“He certainly didn’t let us down.”

“All in all, we couldn’t be happier, its onwards and upwards, bring on Australia.”

Mitchell was positive with Krug from barrier rise, pushing forward to land a handy spot early before taking the lead at the bell.

After rolling strong sectionals, the four-year-old showed his class to hold out runner-up Hot And Treacherous late.

“We got there thanks to a great drive from Todd, it’s no wonder they call him The Wizard.”

“We have had a great association with Toddy over the years.”

“It was a perfect drive and that is the kind of run he is going to have to put in at Menangle.”

“If you draw the car park there you’ll have to do plenty of work while they are running hot times and that is exactly what he did tonight.”
Cran will keep Krug up to the mark in Auckland before they horse flies to Sydney in the coming days.

Carter Dalgety will then look after the pacer while he stays at the Menangle track.

“Carter is heading over, he’s on university holidays right now which is perfect.”

“He knows the horse inside out and does a lot of work with him at home.”

“Closer to the race I will be on hand to help him put the polish on the horse.”

“We will have to qualify for the Chariots, so he will have a couple of runs in the lead up races.”

“Hopefully all goes well and we get to the big show on February the 19th.”

“We got the job done in the Chariots with Christen Me and hopefully this guy can follow in his footsteps.”

It is unlikely regular pilot Blair Orange will be able to get to Sydney to drive Krug.

Cran said the driver situation is well under control.

“We have a couple of options sorted and to be fair, they are both superstars.”

View the Cambridge results click here!

Jonny Turner