Masterly drive gets the party started

It was Blair Orange at his very best.

Driving the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) at Addington tonight (Sep. 30), Orange sent the harness racing three year old out from barrier six while hot favourite Akuta had to be taken back from his wide draw by Mark Purdon.

Cran stated during the week that if Republican Party had any show of beating Akuta in the Lazarus he’d need to be in front of the favourite. Those thoughts must have been ringing in Orange’s ears.

He made sure the early pace was better than solid. At the 900 Orange had a good look round and when he saw his main opposition were back, asked the three year old to lift a few gears. From the 600 he was flying, knowing the runners that were back would have to run exceptional times to get near. Under the urging of Orange, Republican Party was game right to the line, beating Franco Mac by three quarters of a length with Here’s Herbie running the race of his life to get up for third two lengths away.

REPUBLICAN PARTY REPLAY

The winning time was 2-12.5 with the last 800 run in a sizzling 54.7 and the final 400 cut out in 27 seconds.

The New Zealand record for this distance for three year old colts and geldings is 2-19.0 held by Ultimate Sniper.

Orange told Nigel Armstrong from Harness Unhinged, “He gave me a good feel and a lot of confidence at Rangiora against the cup horses. He’s only a little dude but he tries his heart out. He can stay and he can sprint and he’s going to develop into a pretty smart animal.”

Republican Party is another product of the Southern Bred Southern Reared breeders group and was bred by Winton breeders John and Katrina Price. Dalgety bought the colt at the 2020 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales for $210,000.

He’s now won four of his last five starts.

It was a good night for horses with Southern connections.

Smokin Bandar (Monkey Bones) gave young Wyndham trainer Craig Ferguson his biggest win when he made the most of the favourites Muscle Mountain and Sundees Son throwing away their chances at various stages in the Gary Thompson Handicap Trot.

Ferguson trailed leader Matua Tana throughout and came up the passing lane to win by two and a half lengths.

SMOKIN BANDAR REPLAY

It was a very good training effort as the talented grey was having his first race since the end of May and had only one workout seven days ago to ready him for tonight’s win.

Smokin Bandar has started eleven times at Addington, recording five wins.

“He’s a bit like me. He loves a trip,” Ferguson told Harness Unhinged.

Smokin Bandar holds a nomination for the Dominion Handicap and Ferguson said he would love the gelding to make the field.

Ferguson made it two training wins for the night when Street Art (Art Major) continued his unbeaten run in the hands of driver Nathan Williamson.

He led all the way and won narrowly in the last race on the program.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink