The dual Auckland and Invercargill Cup winner will cross over for two races: the $150,000 Group 1 Kilmore Cup on February 7 and the $250,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup a week later.
The last time he was in Victoria, the Republican Party finished a devastating and unlucky third place – beaten just over a meter – by Swayzee and Leap To Fame in last year’s Hunter Cup.
The performance became a springboard for a breakthrough season in 2025.
The Republican Party ran 18 times last year for nine wins, two seconds, two thirds and there is no doubt he was the standout Kiwi pacer.
“We have considered several options and even considered going to the Ballarat Cup early, but the journey works best to just wait and go for Kilmore and the Hunter Cup,” co-trainer Cran Dalgety said.
The Republican Party will bring an exciting missing piece to Victoria’s revamped Summer Carnival… serious Kiwi quality.
It’s mouthwatering to think that the Republican Party will clash with Kingman, Leap To Fame, Swayzee and others in the Hunter Cup,
Depending on the plans, the Republican Party could meet at least two of the big guns in Kilmore.
Kingman and Leap To Fame are set to meet again next Saturday night in Ballarat after Kingman beat the Queensland champions for the third time in as many meetings in Shepparton last night.
Connections will then decide on the plans surrounding the Cranbourne and Kilmore Cups.
Dual NZ Cup winner Swayzee, who won comfortably at Menangle last night, is likely to wait and launch his Victorian attack in the Cranbourne Cup.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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