Krug's Star Shines Brightly in Second Derby Victory

Krug (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) produced his signature speed and power in a dominant $208,000 Group One Diamond Creek Farm New Zealand Derby (2600m) win at Addington on Friday night. 

 

The Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained pacer’s brilliant tactical speed helped driver Blair Orange seize control of the classic event in its early stages and soon after the star three-year-old sealed his second Derby crown.

 

Krug led home a first-four of NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale graduates, with B D Joe (NZ) (Roll With Joe), The Falcon (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Shan Noble (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) following him across the line.

 

Krug’s New Zealand Derby win was his third at Group One level since being purchased by the Dalgety’s at the 2019 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch.

 

The star colt was a purchased for $155,000 by Kentuckiana Lodge from the Smolenski Stables draft.

 

Krug came into his second Derby tilt crowned a Champion Two-Year-Old, a stunning Group One Northern Derby winner and a red hot favourite.

 

With that came plenty of scrutiny and pressure on the Dalgety camp.

 

Cran Dalgety admitted he felt both relief and jubilation when Krug confirmed his status as New Zealand’s best three-year-old male pacer after his epic win.

 

“To win two Derbys shows his quality as a racehorse, it’s a rare achievement and we are rapt and very proud of him.”

“Coming into tonight, expectations were high that he would perform.

“But as a trainer you just can’t take that on board until the job is actually done.

“It is a big thrill and a big relief,” he said.

 

Dalgety credited driver Blair Orange for a brilliant display in the sulky behind his stable star.

 

The lead-up into Friday night’s Group One feature was filled with speculation over how Krug and Orange would handle their wide front row draw.

 

Orange negated any concern by sending his charge straight to the lead and dominating the race in front.

 

“Of course there was a lot of talk about the draw, but that wasn’t something we were getting caught up in,” Dalgety said.

“Our job was to present the horse as best we could for the race.

“Blair’s job was to sum the race up and he did it brilliantly.

“We couldn’t ask for anyone better to be driving for us and Blair showed his class tonight.

“He deserves a lot of accolades for the way he has driven Krug throughout his career.”

Many more Group One opportunities await Krug who is soon likely to be tested against Australia’s best after the upcoming Harness Jewels.

 

“Nothing is confirmed yet but we would love to have a crack at a couple more Derbys,” Dalgety said.

“The horse is only three once and that will be a big part of our thinking when we map out a programme.

“Without saying which way we will go, it does look like we will stretch out our wings and take advantage of the quarantine-free travel to Australia.”

 

B D Joe chased hard after settling into the trail behind Krug, finishing just over two lengths behind him at the finish.

 

The Falcon took third from Shan Noble by just a head margin.

 

12 of the 14 starters in the New Zealand Derby were purchased at the NZB Standardbred’s National Yearling Sale in 2019.

 

Consignor	Smolenski Stables
Purchaser	Kentuckiana Lodge
Breeding	Bettor’s Delight – Champagne Princess
Sale	2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $155,000
Bred by	Est J W Smolenski