Dalgety trio ready to rumble in Rising Stars final

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Cran Dalgety is keen to take on the role of party pooper at Addington on Friday.

Kentuckiana Lodge will line up three runners in the inaugural $30,000 Touchdown Car Rentals Rising Stars Final for the 3YO Colts and Geldings - Razor Horizon, Franco Ankara and St Paddy.

The series' two heats were won by Franco Lomu and Ashley Frank for trainers Regan Todd and Hayden and Amanda Cullen, with Franco Lomu opening a $3.40 favourite for Friday's final  with Ashley Frank at $5.

Franco Lomu also came out last Friday and beat a quality R48-60 field against the likes of Always A Porsche and Trump Card.

"Franco Lomu and Ashley Frank will be red hot and we might be running for third and back," says Dalgety, "but we are keen to spoil the party."

Adding to the puzzle is that Franco Lomu and Ashley Frank have both drawn the second row directly behind two of the Dalgety runners in Razor Horizon (1) and Franco Ankara (2).

Razor Horizon ($6) has had two sevenths since moving over from Australia though he did beat the likes of Tact McLeod and J T Boe at a trial between his two race day performances on August 5.

"He's back on track and drawing one will be a big bonus with him," says Dalgety.

Dalgety, who trains in partnership with wife Chrissie, is also upbeat about Franco Ankara's chances.

"He won two starts ago and his last start fifth was just as good. He got out late after being three back the fence," says Dalgety.

Anthony and Kimberly Butt will drive Razor Horizon ($13) and Franco Ankara ($6) with Ricky May getting the call up to drive stablemate St Paddy ($9.50), with regular driver Carter Dalgety in South Africa following the All Blacks.

The in-form St Paddy will start from seven on the front line.

"He's been a silent achiever and he came from second last to run second last week."

It all points to a very competitive final.

"My three are all healthy and well and they're ready," says Dalgety.  

To see the Rising Stars field click here