Four fresh up Dalgety runners at Addington tonight

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Two exciting three-year-olds will headline a formidable team from Kentuckiana Lodge at Addington tonight.

With spring racing fast approaching, Cran and Chrissie Dalgety will line up five runners tonight, all to be driven by son Carter. Four of them are fresh up, with Franco Ankara ($1.55) and Asymmetric Return ($1.70) the most heavily fancied to make winning returns. 

Both three-year-olds have been in winning form at the trials ahead of their race day resumptions with Franco Ankara especially impressive, coming from last  to win at Rangiora last week. He reeled off his last 800 in 55.4 seconds.

As a 2YO he had three placings in five starts.

"He always had speed but was not that strong," says Carter Dalgety, "but he has a bit more meat on the bone now and his second trial especially was run in a very good time."

Dalgety rates Franco Ankara his best of the night in Race 4 (6.28pm), Congrats to Members Winner "John Blatchford" Mobile Pace, despite drawing the outside of the front line.

Team Dalgety could well go race to race with Asymmetric Return in Race 5, Bet On A Better Future Red Nose Day Fundraiser Pace (7.03pm).

The Downbytheseaside filly also won at the Rangiora trials on July 22 (56.7 last 800m).

"She is well-mannered," says Dalgety, "she is not 100 per cent race ready but does have ability."

Of her rivals, Sidestepper, a first starter for Robert and Jenna Dunn, looks a major threat.

The Dalgetys line up last start winner St Paddy in a very open and competitive Race 8, the Touchdown Car Rentals Rising Stars Series (8.44pm).

It's the first heat of the series for up to two-win 3YO Colts and Geldings, with the first four finishers qualifying for the $30,000 final on August 21.

"He was good last start and he is building but this is a jump up," says Dalgety.

St Paddy is at $18 with Stumblin In ($3.70) and the unbeaten Partytime ($4.40) heading the market.

Five-race winner Beside Me ($3.50) will resume for the Dalgetys in Race 10, the Peninsula Beachfront Resort Mooloolaba Mobile Pace (9.45pm).

The 4YO mare hasn't been seen on race day since winning at Addington in January.

She takes on a field that includes Trump Card ($4.50), Amaretto Franco ($5) and Always A Porsche ($3), who was a recent star triallist for the Dunns.

"He is a good horse and has a good horse's record," says Dalgety of Always A Porsche, who will start from the ace in his first race in nearly two years.

The Dalgetys will round out their night with Forever Dream in Race 11, the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace (10.10pm).

The 4YO mare hasn't raced since around Cup time last November though she was second at the recent Rangiora trials. She will start on one the second row in a field that also includes the likes of Transonic and Utah Jazz.

Note: The FF (Final Field) odds can fluctuate, so check at tab.co.nz for the latest information.