NZ Trotting Cup Dream Alive And Well With Republican Party

Trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety are hoping it will be a case of third time’s a charm with Republican Party (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) in next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand Trotting Cup (3200m) after he secured his spot in the two-mile feature with victory in last Friday’s Group Two Canterbury Classic (2600m) at Addington Raceway. 

The Bettor’s Delight entire settled midfield early on, however, driver Carter Dalgety wasn’t content with his position and asked his charge to improve three-wide down the backstraight to find the lead.

The pair took the race by the scruff of the neck and were never tested upfront, and ran away from their rivals in the concluding stages to record an effortless three-length victory.

“He is amazing this horse, I am a bit speechless about how well he did that,” Carter Dalgety said. “The (NZ Trotting Cup) dream is alive.”

The Canterbury reinsman has been impressed with the way his charge has progressed this preparation, and he believes he is on target for next month’s New Zealand Trotting Cup.

“His first start back this time he felt so strong and last start when he was out in front he was better again, and today he was just on another level,” he said. “The way that he is feeling and his demeanour, he has stepped up so much and I am very proud of him.

“He has been there and done it, this year will be his third Cup. He is proven at the two miles and he is going to give it a good shake this year I hope.”

Bred by Katrina and John Price, Republican Party is out of Group One-winning mare Democrat Party, a daughter of Group One performer Champagne Party, and the dam of Group One performer Advance Party.

Republican Party was offered through Price Bloodstock’s 2020 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft at Christchurch where he was purchased by Cran Dalgety for $210,000.

The six-year-old has now won 23 of his 58 starts, including four at Group One level, and has amassed nearly $930,000 in prizemoney to date.