Royally-bred colt set to "party" at Cambridge tonight

By Jordyn Bublitz 

The training partnership of Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan are no strangers to preparing top-class racehorses, and if pedigree is anything to go by, debutant War Party could be their next star in the making.

The colt steps out for the first time in tonight's Beta Vet Echinacea+RRM Mobile Pace at Cambridge Raceway (7.10pm), carrying one of the most exciting pedigrees currently in New Zealand harness racing.

A $240,000 purchase as a yearling, War Party is out of Democrat Party, making him a full brother to millionaire pacer Republican Party and exciting young prospect Tour Party, who has enjoyed a standout two-year-old campaign this season.

While his siblings made their presence felt early, War Party has taken a little longer to reach the races.

"He's taken a little bit longer than everyone had hoped to get to this point, but we're lucky to have some very patient owners who have been in the game long enough to understand the process you've got to go through," said co-trainer Scott Phelan.

"The way that he's progressed this time in makes him look like he might've been worth the wait."

War Party ($2FF) will have to overcome barrier eight on debut, with Harrison Orange booked to take the drive, but Phelan is confident the colt can make his presence felt if things go his way.

The stable's confidence was boosted by a sharp recent trial performance where the colt sprinted home in 55.8 seconds for his final half.

"His work's been really good, his last trial was his best one and every time we've asked him to step up he has."

"We expect him to be a good chance if he can get a bit of luck in the running."

"There's not too much you can do from eight. We'll aim to slot in on the fence early and depending on how the race is run Harrison can make his choices from there."

With Republican Party establishing himself among the elite ranks and Tour Party already showing significant promise, comparisons are inevitable. But Phelan is keeping a level head when it comes to War Party's long-term prospects.

"It would be nice if he could be half as good," he laughed.

"He's got a long way to go to be as good as them, but he's progressing well. I'd expect him to win a few races without having to improve too much."

The Purdon-Phelan team will also have a strong hand in the Silk Road Final later on the programme (8.08pm), with both Twist And Tango and Fly High bringing solid form into the feature.

Twist And Tango has drawn perfectly in barrier two over the 1700-metre journey and continues to knock on the door of another victory.

"She tries her heart out and I don't doubt she'll be with them at the end," Phelan said.

"Hopefully the thicker end of it because she deserves a win."

Stablemate Fly High will begin from barrier five and is also expected to play a major role.

"I'm really happy with the way she's come on, we expect her to be a good chance tonight."

While the stable has multiple winning chances across the card, much of the attention will be focused on War Party as he begins his racing career. Given the family he comes from, there will be plenty watching to see whether another Party is about to join the headlines.