Disappointing draw delivers cruel blow

HOPES of joining his famous father on a prestigious honour roll have been dealt a blow for Carter Dalgety.

Dalgety is the son of highly-accomplished New Zealand trainer, Cran, who has won a host of Australian majors, including the famed Chariots Of Fire.

Cran captured Australia’s premier four-year-old event with a rampaging Christen Me in 2013.

Fast forward a decade and Cran co-trains promising type Republican Party with Carter, with the latter set to partner the entire in Saturday night’s edition at Club Menangle.

Republican Party earned his berth in the $250,000 feature thanks to his Hondo Grattan Stake success a fortnight ago.

While he is looking forward to the opportunity, Carter rates Republican Party’s draw as “pretty disappointing”.

The son of Bettors Delight has received barrier nine for the 1609-metre trip, but slots into eight with the removal of the emergency.

“Dad won the Chariots 10 years ago and it would be pretty awesome if I can join him on the winners’ list,” Carter said.

“It won’t be easy from a pretty disappointing draw against such a strong field.”

TAB Fixed Odds regard Republican Party as a $12 shot, with Captain Ravishing likely to start as the shortest priced favourite in the Group One’s history.

The Australian Pacing Gold purchase is a skinny $1.22 after drawing the pole.

“There has been talk about whether Captain Ravishing will lead or be crossed,” Carter said. “If he leads and gets an easy second quarter I don’t think he can be run down.

“That second quarter could determine the outcome of the race.

“I don’t think it will matter if Captain Ravishing is crossed as he has brilliant closing speed.

“We’re going to rely on the speed being on all the way and hope to get the right trip into it at the business end.”