Merv Dellar says he feels more optimistic going into Sunday’s Hahn Electrical-Coolgardie Cup (1760m) than 12-months ago.
Dellar conceded he was hopeful rather than confident when he rolled the dice and gave Kronfeld a shot at last year’s Coolgardie Cup.
The son of Murtajill was on a hot winning streak of four straight races but he found the jump to top grade a bridge too far when fifth.
He ran a sound race and was the first local horse home but he was no match for Perth galloper, Express Service, beaten 2 ¼ lengths.
“I don’t think it’s any more than maturity and progress,” said Dellar.
“He is a year older and wiser.
“He knows what it’s all about now.
“This time last year it was a bit new.
“I feel better going into the race this time.”
Kronfeld will likely target all three of the goldfields iconic races: the Coolgardie Cup, Boulder Cup and the Kalgoorlie Cup.
Dellar said he was convinced to give Kronfeld a shot a feature trifecta after he ran fifth to Savonarola at Belmont in June.
The gelding was help up for clear running in the home straight but he found the line strongly when a run presented late.
“That race proved to me he was up to it,” said Dellar.
“He showed me I was on the right path with my thinking.”
Kronfeld is again likely to be the best of the local contingent after coming off a top win in last fortnight’s Palace Hotel-The Goldrush (1600m).
He turned for home in fifth position for jockey, Ryan Hill, and showed a nice turn of foot to run over the top of Casino Belle and score by a short half head.
“I thought the mile might have been too short,” said Dellar.
“But I liked the way he finished off and attacked the line.”
Kronfeld drops 3 ½ kg to be on the 55kg minimum. Ryan Hill retains the ride and in a field of 13 starts from gate nine.
“It will be an interesting race as far as speed is concerned,” said Dellar.
“There doesn’t seem to be a lot.
“I will leave it up to Ryan and hopefully he can get a cart into the race.
“But he is on home turf and is going good.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli