Republican Party top dog

Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) cemented his top seeding in the New Zealand harness racing nominations for next month’s IRT New Zealand Cup when he comprehensively won the $60,000 Group Two NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes at Ashburton today.

The Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained entire began well and driver Carter Dalgety bided his time before making his move.

“It was very tight when Akuta was getting underneath me. I thought I’d be a nice person and let him through. I thought he’d be happy to hand and he was. I think I could push him a bit further to get away a bit quicker but I just want to get away cleanly to be honest,” he said.

There was only one midrace move which came from We Walk By Faith.

“He was quite casual today when he came and had a look for the front.”

Co-trainer Cran Dalgety was also surprised at how well Republican Party came through the midrace move.

“He did get softened in the middle and I thought that would test him with a great horse like Akuta behind him. I shouldn’t say I was surprised that he kicked away, but I was.”

At the finish post, Republican Party was two lengths clear of Alter Meteor which came home late up the passing lane.

REPUBLICAN PARTY REPLAY

“He did it pretty well. When that other one got close to him at the line he went again. Hopefully there’s not one more gear, but maybe two. He’s never run away (like that) in his life but now he’s skipping away so easily. It’s a good thing for him to develop,” Carter said.

His young reinsman also drove him to win the Auckland Cup, the Invercargill Cup and the New Zealand Messenger and he says the horse has improved immensely since those Group One features.

“He’s so much better. What amazes me about him is that he’s so strong now. So the confidence levels couldn’t be higher.”

Dalgety senior has had a number of runners in the great race without experiencing success.

“I’ve had a thirty five year apprenticeship and I am due (laughter). We’ve had lots of placings, but I’d like to go that one further.”

Cran says Republican Party despite his size, will have to be kept up to the mark before running in the 3200 metres in a couple of weeks.

“He does take a bit of work for a little fella. Because of his size you naturally want to hold back, but he’s a six year old now and a big man. So he just needs to be kept up to it.”

And what about the Aussie challengers Leap To Fame and Swayzee and possibly Kingman?

“We know they’re stars. If we can match them and they have a wee bit of not so good luck and we have some good luck, we could feature. It’s exciting to be in the position were in.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink