There has been a change of plans with superstar filly Shez All Rock, one which will see her stay in the care of Rolleston trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen.
After her brilliant 1.51.8 win at the Harness Jewels in Cambridge on Saturday afternoon, Purdon suggested the Australian-bred filly was heading back to original Victorian trainer Mark Pitt for the upcoming Vicbred Series and August’s Australasian Breeders Crown.
But after a consultation with New York-based owner Chris Ryder on Sunday, the decision was made to miss the Vicbred Series and leave her in New Zealand.
“She’ll now stay here with Mark and Natalie to prepare for the Breeders Crown,” said a stable spokesman in the absence of both trainers, who are holidaying in Fiji.
“Beyond that, it seems very likely that she will stay here next season, too, rather than go to America.”
Shez All Rock, a daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven, has swept all before her this season, winning the New South Wales Oaks, Victoria Oaks, New Zealand Oaks and 3YO Diamond, all at Group 1 level.
She has been beaten just once in ten career starts.
Chris Ryder, now a trainer in New York, was born and raised in Greymouth before heading Stateside in 1990.
Among the stars he has trained in a storied career are Art Major, McArdle, Cathedra Dot Com, Go For Grins and Sealed N Delivered.
Just last week, Ryder acquired promising juvenile trotter Oscar Bonavena for a significant sum out of the Phil Williamson barn.
- NZ Harness News
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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