NZ HARNESS NEWS
Canterbury trainer Cran Dalgety is hoping for a change of luck with Australasian Breeders Crown two-year-old pacing hopefuls, Bettor Joy and Master Moonlite, in Victoria over the next two nights.
Bettor Joy, a Group Two winner of the Delightful Lady Classic at Auckland in March, makes her Victoria debut from wide on the front row in a Breeders Crown 2YO Fillies Heat, at Shepparton on Tuesday night.
Master Moonlite, looking to emulate the Breeders Crown victories of his dam Miss Moonlite (2012 4YO mares champion) and grand-dam Dancingonmoonlight (2000 3YO fillies champion), starts from barrier four in a Breeders Crown 2YO colts and geldings heat at Kilmore on Wednesday night.
Dalgety gave three-year-old trotting stablemate Chevron Express a chance for Group One glory in the Victoria Trotting Derby at Maryborough on Sunday, but the NZ Hambletonian and NZ Trotting Oaks winner was very disappointing.
Chevron Express, given an economical trip three-back on the markers by Dalgety’s brother-in-law Anthony Butt, had nothing to offer in the run home.
She dropped away and finished 36.7 metres from winner Une Belle Allure, a daughter of Angus Hall trained by Anton Gollino.
“She was super before the race and Ants (Butt) said she felt so well until 299 metres to run. She made a right goose of me, but I don’t think we have a health issue,” Dalgety said on Monday.
“In hindsight, it was probably more a case of being underdone for a 2690m race.
“I don’t usually worry about blood tests too much, but we’ll take some bloods off her just in case.”
The Breeders Crown 3YO Trot Final on August 26 remains her main target.
Butt will also drive Bettor Joy and Master Moonlite.
Top NZ reinsman and the Dalgety stable’s regular driver, Dexter Dunn, is currently preparing for this weekend’s World Driving Championships opening round in Canada.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
