Dalgetys with strong team at Banks Peninsula

By Mike Love 

The Dalgety team will be looking for a strong return from their four runners at today’s Banks Peninsula meeting at Motukarara. 

Two of the four Cran and Chrissie Dalgety are lining up are first starters who have been performing well at recent trials. 

Driver Carter Dalgety believes both Rocking Ruby and Marble Arch are worthy of the attention of punters. 

The first of the first starters to race is Rocking Ruby ($2.80FF), in Race 3, the Brendon Friel Appreciation Club Mobile Pace over 2000m (1.06pm). Having qualified back in July 2025 at Rangiora, the three-year-old Downbytheseaside filly was put aside to concentrate on growing and has come back pleasingly for the barn, however Dalgety does suggest a little bit of caution for those opening their wallets today. 

“She has trialled good. She’s taken a wee while to get going. She has a couple of quirks. We think she’ll suit the grass, but in saying that she’s a bit of a false favourite, but hopefully she’ll get her chance. She’ll get better with whatever she does,” says Dalgety.  

Marble Arch ($2.25FF) is the other of the first starters in Race 5, The Pint & Pony Racing & Sports Bar Pace over 2170m (1.56pm). The three-year-old Always B Miki gelding qualified a year ago, and was also set aside with sights on a three-year-old season. Marble Arch comes in to today’s race a recent Addington trial winner from standing start conditions which he faces today. 

“He’s a nice horse. A typical Always B Miki who tend to take a bit more time. He should be hard to beat if he goes away from the stand.” 

The Merc ($4.00FF) lines up in Race 4, The Norjo Motorcycles Trot over 2170m (1.31pm), and will be looking for an improved outcome from his first start in the Dalgety barn at Oamaru where things did not go to plan.

“Nothing went right at Oamaru. He got pretty wound up then missed away. He’s no world beater, but he’s a chance - he just has to do things right.”

In Race 8, Whatz My Choice ($4.40FF) races fresh up after a long break in the The MNM Mobile Pace over 2000m (3.12pm). 

“He’s come back really good. He had long prep last time but has had a good break. He’s an honest horse that tries hard. His trial was really pleasing so he should race well.” 

Dalgety has three other drives on the programme which are:

Flyaway ($5.50FF) for John McDermott in race seven the Muscle Mountain & Captain Cool (Junior Drivers) Mobile Pace over 2000m (2.46pm). 

“I thought she’d have a really good chance in that.” 

Bullet Train ($15.00FF) for Terry McMillan in Race 9, the Waihora RFC Trot over 2170m (3.47pm). 

“Gets back into the right grade. With manners he should get a good run in a winnable grade.” 

Typhoon Tere ($8.00FF) for trainers Jason and Ian Thomas in the final race of the day, the Team Hutchison Ford Mobile Pace over 2000m (4.55pm). 

“He has a motor. He should be a good chance, and looks like we will get an economical run. So if the gaps come he should be in the finish.”

Race 1 gets underway at 12.15pm.