By Matt Markham
A strong last 100 metres, that’s all Cran Dalgety is asking for tonight at Addington.
And if the West Melton horseman sees that out of his stable star Christen Me, whether he finds the line well to win, or to finish fifth – he’ll leave Addington a happy man.
That’s not Dalgety saying he doesn’t think Christen Me can win the Maurice Holmes Vase, but more him being optimistic about his chances – after all, this is only the beginning of a long road to the New Zealand Trotting Cup in November.
“He’s come up super,’’ Dalgety said yesterday. “I’ve been happy with his trials and he’s about as fit as we can get him, but that race fitness that he’ll get out of this week will just really bring him on that next step.’’
Dalgety is looking at a few more races for Christen Me this season ahead of the Cup and that may see the reigning Horse of the Year an attendee at next week’s Hannon Memorial – a major coup for the Oamaru club on their biggest day.
But there’s tonight to get through first and Dalgety just wants to see his leading light getting home strongly.
“If we can get a good last 100 metres out of him, I’ll be happy. “It would be nice to win, and I think he can, but it’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t.’’
Should it not be Christen Me’s night – which seems almost unbelievable – the first race of the lead up to the cup, which contains an automatic entry into the Cup for the winner, Dalgety does have two other decent chances.
Bit Of A Legend and Mighty Flying Mac will also carry the stable colours.
“Bit Of A Legend might take a few runs to get back to where we want him.
“I think you could best describe him as adequate at the end of his last campaign, so hopefully we can get him back to where we know he is capable of being.’’
Blair Orange will drive Bit Of A Legend with Robbie Holmes engaged for Mighty Flying Mac.
“He (Mighty Flying Mac) is a great wee horse. “Currently you would say he’s a handy handicap horse, but I’m hoping he can take another step up. “We will certainly find out anyway.’’
The Maurice Holmes Vase, while dominated by Dalgety runners is in no way a forgone conclusion.
Jason Rulz particularly has looked on song in his workouts and trials and with the aid of the inside draw, the Greg and Nina Hope trained runner will get his chance.
Dexter Dunn, who will drive Christen Me in the event, also has the chance to drive a couple of smart returning horses earlier in the night.
One, Art Union, comes from the Dalgety stable while the other is Sheemon who kicks off his road to the Dominion Handicap in a race which sees the return of racehorse-cum-mum-cum-racehorse, Escapee.
A unique battle between two very good trotters looks set to unfold in the small field with Sheemon looking very ready when winning at the Mt Hutt workouts last weekend.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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