Pukekohe trainers Conor and Sarah Fahy have farewelled unbeaten three-year-old Aurora Belle, with the promising filly sold to Australia to join the Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will and JD Hayes.
The daughter of Belardo won both of her starts at Te Rapa, attracting strong interest after each victory.
"There was a good bit of interest in her after both wins," Fahy said.
"It's one of those things where we were offered money we couldn't refuse. She's on her way to Australia and will be joining the Lindsay Park team.
"I think the world is her oyster. We were only scratching the surface with her and I know there's a hell of a lot left under the bonnet.
"It's sad to see her leave because I think she'll come back next preparation a completely different horse.
"Michael McNab had a similar opinion. The rate she was improving each run was frightening.
"She'll handle better ground as well. She's not just a wet-track horse. She's got a high cruising speed and can quicken off it. I wouldn't rush her beyond 1400 metres just yet, but I think that's an ideal trip for her."
The Fahys return to Te Rapa on Saturday with four-time winner Procella in the $100,000 Paul McGlade Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), and Fahy believes the six-year-old can outperform her long odds.
"She did a brilliant piece of work on Tuesday. She hasn't won in a while, but I think she's a sneaky chance," he said.
"Her last run wasn't as bad as it looks on paper. She was just a bit slow away and finished where she started.
"She has a habit of getting left in the barriers, but if she jumps and gets herself into a handy position, she'll give them something to think about."
The stable also produced several encouraging performances at this week's Avondale trials, headed by Earthlight two-year-old Workout.
"There's a bit of interest in him as well and he's come through the trial nicely," Fahy said.
"I'm thinking of nominating him for the Northland Breeders' Stakes at Ruakaka. We rate him highly."
Unswayed also caught the eye with an impressive trial victory.
"There's interest in him too, but if he stays with us he'll probably head to a 1400-metre maiden. He's one for punters to keep an eye on."
Fahy is equally excited about Satono Aladdin two-year-old Lawless Rascal, although he expects the gelding to shine later on.
"He's a cracking horse. He's big, tall and leggy, and just wants to do everything a bit quickly.
"We'll give him another quiet trial before tipping him out. He'll come into his own in the autumn and hopefully develop into a nice Derby horse." – NZ Racing Desk
