Breeder could be in for big week

Artstanding, an Art Major half-brother to champion pacer Lazarus, will be offered by Dunedin...
Artstanding, an Art Major half-brother to champion pacer Lazarus, will be offered by Dunedin breeder Gavin Chin at the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sales in Christchurch this week. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A whirlwind harness racing season is set to get even better this week for Dunedin breeder Gavin Chin.

Chin, along with Brian West of Studholme Bloodstock, plotted the pedigree which led to the breeding of the phenomenon that is harness racing superstar Lazarus.

The horse has already taken Chin on a ride this season he never thought he would have experienced.

``It have been unbelievable. How can you describe the New Zealand Cup win by 10 lengths in 3.53.1?''

This week the Mosgiel pharmacist could add two more achievements to his already impressive breeding CV. The first opportunity comes tomorrow when he offers an Art Major half-brother to Lazarus for sale on the second day of the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sales in Christchurch.

``It is hard to gauge the interest but I hope he sells well, Chin said.''

The Art Major colt, named Artstanding, has rich bloodlines like his half-brother but is a different type of horse.

``He is a strong colt, probably in a different mould to Lazarus as yearling.

``Lazarus was a fine, neat-looking colt whereas this one has a bigger, stronger frame.''

Selling horses at auction can cause the most nervous moments for both buyers and sellers, but Chin has so far kept his nerves in check.

``It is not too bad. It's not like before the New Zealand Cup.''

Chin will be relying on technology to keep him updated on sales progress. He will be live-streaming the sales at home, with his phone at the ready.

He has fatherly duties to attend to with his sons Joshua (7) and Isiah (2), while his wife is away on a rotation, working as a pediatrician at Kew Hospital in Invercargill.

The Australasian Classic yearling sale was held in Auckland yesterday.

The market was generally soft with a large number of lots passed in. There were highlights, though, including a Bettor's Delight colt from Beach Parade who was sold to Australian owners Emilio and Mary Rosati for $187,500. Yesterday's sale-topper, a $220,000 Bettor's Delight colt from Daisy Dundee, also went to an Australian owner, in Jean Fiess.

Chin has a big week in store as Lazarus will be hot favourite for Saturday night's Miracle Mile. Potentially Chin could become the breeder of the southern hemisphere's fastest horse.

``To be honest, it is just an honour to breed a horse good enough to compete in a Miracle Mile.''

Last year the Miracle Mile record of 1.47.5 was set by Lazarus' stablemate, Have Faith In Me.

``I'm not getting carried away with thinking like that,'' Chin said.

Lazarus' task has been made more difficult by drawing barrier 8. There may be some respite, though - two emergencies have drawn inside him, so he would start from barrier 6.

Lazarus has drifted from a short as $2.10 with Australian bookmakers before the barrier draw, to $2.60 yesterday.

The price for second-favourite Hectorjayjay, who drew saddlecloth 10, went out to $3.80.

Lazarus' trainers, Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen, fared better with their two other runners in the race. Smolda will start from barrier 1 and Waikiki Beach has barrier 4.

 - Jonny Turner

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