The 2008-09 season has also featured the sales of a number of good horses, some outstanding ones, to trusted Bruce Hutton and Peter Larkin, both of whom he holds in high regard for their efficiency and integrity.

Taylor's old favourite Waipawa Lad was sold to USA by Larkin where he has won his only two starts in under 1:53.

The former New Zealand Free For All winner led up and scored in 1:52.1 in his latest exertion and is scheduled to race again this Friday.

"What could I d now with him?'' Taylor queried of his evergreen and reliable star's future that seemed to have reached a turning point in this country.

Waipawa Lad, a high speed horse at peak, was also an old favourite of skilled driver Mark Jones.

Waipawa Lad bowed out with a grand Kiwi record of 80 starts for 17 wins, as many seconds and nine thirds for $368,501.

Hutton has bought distinctly promising juvenile filly Never Mind Franco for syndication purposes in USA. She has posted a second and a third in two New Zealand starts and is rated by Taylor.

Larkin transacted the sale of Don't Tell Porkies to Perth interests and negotiations are in the home straight for the sales of Stuart Brown and Naughty Mee with the same agent.

"They will almost certainly be sold subject to satisfactory veterinary tests,'' Taylor said.

The popular Kurow fixture at Oamaru early next month signals proper the start of another new season in the Otago province and Taylor told Harnesslink today he hoped to have at least three runners there.

Providing she performs satisfactorily from a stand at the Ashburton trials on Wednesday, Pretty Dolly Bird will be on hand at Kurow, he said.

"She comes in well off the front there but the stipendiary stewards and I will have to be happy with how she steps from a stand at the trials.''

Innes Lad and Jay Eee's Magic are other Taylor representatives likely to be on hand for the Kurow fixture.

Jay Eee's Magic was second at Addington on Friday night and will win one soon, Taylor said.

Don WRIGHT