Dalgety still a chance in the premiership

It hasn't had the same media attention as the Michael Pitman and Lisa Latta premiership battle in the thoroughbred code, but the harness racing trainers’ premiership is also about to heat up in a big way.

With three weeks left to go in the season and Purdon still nine wins clear, you would think the result is a foregone conclusion, but, here comes the punch line - Mark Purdon only has two racehorses left in work in New Zealand, while Cran Dalgety still has quite a sizable team around him.

Purdon's two racehorses are capable three-year-olds Gotta Go Yanky and Beau Vite, both of who go around, and look strong chances, on Friday at Addington.

Dalgety, however, will line up a team of eight this weekend, spreading them far and wide between Alexandra Park, Addington and Oamaru. Among them are Bit Of A Legend, who looks a winner, and Mac Bubbles, Optimo Denario, Donegal Starella and Belkmyster who all have good chances.

"We'll just carry on as we normally would. If we get there, well and good, but it's not something I'm going all out to do," said Cran Dalgety

"Usually when you chase things like that, things generally go wrong, but I do have a bunch of 3YOs racing that I'll race until the end of the month to make the most of the concessions. Our numbers for this time of year are pretty good," he added.

2013 Trainers' Premiership Leader Board

by Mitchell ROBERTSON