Perfect Performance Seals Republican Party (NZ) NZ Cup Start

A perfect performance to win the Group Two  $64,000 Lamb & Hayward Canterbury Classic (2600m) has booked Republican Party (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) a place in New Zealand’s greatest race.

The NZB Standardbred graduate produced a polished display, dashing along the inner to seal a start in the Group One New Zealand Cup with his victory for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety.

Republican Party was secured by Cran Dalgety at the 2020 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch for $210,000 when he was offered by his breeders Price Bloodstock.

While Dalgety was thrilled to clinch victory in Friday night’s Group Two feature, the way his horse went about winning made it even more satisfying.

“It was great to win the race there is no doubt about that,” Cran said.

“I think it is pretty well known how highly we have rated this horse right the way through.”

“To see him run a nice second in the Hannon and then do what he did tonight, it shows he is right on track for the New Zealand Cup.

“As pleasing at the win was, it was the way he did it that was most satisfying.”

“He’s stepped away beautifully, worked forward to take up a position and then outsprinted them.”

“Having manners and ringcraft can make all the difference at the top level and that was a perfect performance.”

“Heading into the New Zealand Cup, he is doing everything exactly how we want him to and there is still a bit of fitness to come.”

Republican Party prevailed in a thrilling finish over his fellow NZB Standardbred graduate Akuta (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

Akuta went a mighty race after working in the middle stages and the New Zealand Cup favourite is sure to benefit from having his first run back this spring.

The Dalgety stable also produced NZB Standardbred graduate Krug (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) to run a good fourth in Friday night’s feature.

Republican Party’s victory was part of a big night for the Dalgety stable at Addington.

Earlier in the programme the trainers produced Coney Island Lou (NZ) (Sweet Lou) to win the $24,000 PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock Lazarus Stakes (1980m).

The three-year-old is unbeaten in two runs against quality opposition this spring.

Coney Island Lou was purchased for $40,000 by Western Australian buyer Peta-Ann Congerton when he was offered among Laura Smith’s draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.