Top Kiwis plan their Aussie assault

By Adam Hamilton

The Kiwis are ready to launch in Queensland.

Cran Dalgety confirmed Krug would go to next Saturday night’s Redcliffe Derby, while Copy That will trial 24 hours earlier at Albion Park.

Copy That’s first Brisbane run will be the Wondais Mate at Albion Park on July 3.

Before then, Ray Green’s classy three-year-olds American Dealer and Tommy Lincoln will both race at Albion Park on Tuesday.

Tommy Lincoln is first out in race six at 6.03pm NZ time. He’s drawn gate three in a handy race when Team McCarthy’s Ranger Bomb looks the main threat.

Mark Dux takes the reins on Tommy Lincoln and American Dealer, who will start from the back row (gate nine) in the ninth event at 7.52pm NZ time.

“All the horses seem to have settled in really well,” Green said. “We decided to take the three-year-olds to Albion Park Tuesday instead of the small track (Redcliffe).”

Green confirmed Anthony Butt would head to Brisbane to drive Copy That in his trial ahead of partnering him through his four planned race starts at Albion Park.

“Anthony’s keen to get up and have a feel of the horse before he races,” Green said.

Punters will be a bit wary of Copy That given his career-worst run in the Harness Jewels just before crossing the ditch.

“We don’t know for sure, but we think it was not having the padding under his shoes. We hope it was that,” Green said.

“There were a few horses that run below their best on the day.

“I’m just putting the pen through the run and moving on. I wouldn’t have brought him here unless I’d done that.

“The signs are good. He seems well and I’m confident he’ll bounce-back.”

There’s a chance Copy That could face the likes of King Of Swing, Spankem and Colt Thirty One in the Wondais Mate.

Back to Krug, and Dalgety is adamant his attitude and nothing else cost him winning the Jewels from a perfect run in the trail last time.

“No disrespect to BD Joe, but my horse should’ve gone straight past him and won easily with the run he had,” he said.

“We’ve decided to take him to Redcliffe. I know it’s a different sort of track, but it was either trial him or run for some stakemoney in the (Redcliffe) Derby.

“It looks like the local (Manilla Playboy) will be the main one to beat. He’s got a good record and they all tell me he’s a nice horse.”

Dalgety said he was in talks with Krug’s owners about a driver for the Derby.

“Not sure on that one yet,” he said. “Blair (Orange) has first right of refusal in the two big races, so it’s up to him.”