When you look back on the history of big priced harness racing yearling sales purchases turning out as good as the price they brought at the sales, there are more than a few that fell well short.
However one of last years star yearlings is giving every indication that she was worth every dollar paid.
At last years Australasian Classic Yearling sale at Karaka, Lot 133 was one of the most sought after yearlings at any sale in Australasia.
A daughter of the champion sire Bettor's Delight, the filly was the first foal from the very smart Christian Cullen mare Temepara Cullen 1:56.1($40,141) who is a full sister to the brilliant Stunin Cullen 1:54.1 ($1,493,716) so as pedigrees go, it just doesn't get any better.
Named Kharizma on sale day, the filly was an outstanding individual and had all the big players from both sides of the Tasman chasing her.
When the dust had settled, big spending Australians Emilio and Mary Rosati had shelled out a huge $165,000 for the very masculine looking filly.
Leaving her in New Zealand with Tony Herlihy, the filly was renamed Strawberry Stride and has shown more than enough at trials in the north to suggest she will make a winning debut in the two year old fillies race at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
Last Saturday at the Franklin trials she turned in an outstanding performance to qualify nearly eight seconds under qualifying time in a 2:01.3 mile rate for the 2050 metres with the last half in a sharp 58 seconds.
From barrier one, Strawberry Stride looks to have a mortgage on the race as she starts to repay her large purchase price.
One couple who will be smiling at the progress of Strawberry Stride will be long time sales vendors Sandy and Jan Yarndley who are offering a half brother to her at this years Australasian Classic Yearling sale at Karaka on February 22nd.
Named Magical Mover and selling as Lot 98, the son of Rocknroll Hanover is sure to evoke a similar reaction from buyers as his half sister did, especially given how promising she looks.
To view the Australasian Classic Yearling sale catalogue click here.
Harnesslink Media