Key rivals renew battle in Kindergarten Stakes

By Jonny Turner

The form book may need to be thrown out before the Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes on Sunday.

Three of the biggest winning chances in the Group Three feature clashed at Addington earlier this month, with Chiggsy narrowly beating home Fanfare and On Ya Bike.

But it seems a lot has changed since that meeting, with Fanfare and On Ya Bike both going on to run strong races at Gore last week.

At Wyndham on Sunday, barrier draws have been handed out in reverse order to the result of their previous meeting, with On Ya Bike securing barrier 2, inside of Fanfare (5) and Chiggsy (8).

Fanfare showed he has the early speed to land handy with a front-running win at Gore.

The pacer has been left in the care of Brent Barclay and Lauren Pearson ahead of his Kindergarten Stakes tilt, while trainer Bob Butt has been campaigning horses in the North Island, as well as in Canterbury.

Barclay admits he won’t know his early tactics until the gate is about to leave, when he drives Fanfare again on Sunday.

“His work has been really nice, he has come through that last run well and he seems to have stepped up again.”

“We will just assess it as the gate goes, if he wants to come out of the gate real hard, we will go with him.”

“But I think he is versatile.”

Blair Orange will be out to win his seventh Kindergarten Stakes on Sunday.

While his charge Chiggsy has the advantage of already having beaten two of his main rivals, he has a tough draw to overcome in barrier 8.

“He has lovely manners, he trailed Fanfare at Addington and was able to beat him.”

“Fanfare looks the benchmark and we have a different draw on Sunday, but the ability is there.”

Carter Dalgety links up with On Ya Bike, who was soundly beaten by Chiggsy and Fanfare in their recent clash.

However, the reinsman is hopeful he will be combining with a stronger force on Sunday.

“He is building really nicely, last start I thought he was very tough around the Gore track.”

“We’ve got a draw upgrade this week and I think he can go a wee bit better.”

On Sunday, Nathan Williamson will chase his first win since his recent return to race driving.

The trainer-driver looks a big chance of getting it with the strong team he has entered for Kindergarten Stakes Day.

Among them is the defending Group Three Kubala Seeds Champagne Stakes champion, Ruby Roe.

Williamson also starts key The Yaldy Wyndham Cup hope, Always Dreaming.