Six years ago Chris Ryder (pictured) and Mark gambled a 6 figure sum on a very promising two year old on the eve of the Harness Jewels. Mark gave his share to father Roy for racing and assumed the ownership title on his passing. The resulting career of the once troubled trotter OSCAR BONAVENA more than justified the investment.
Now Chris and Mark have gone again, purchasing CHASE A DREAM from his ownership group associated with Studholme Bloodstock for future racing and basing him in the North Island.
The decision does not come without its challenges.
” He has had a series of little issues,none of them serious in themselves but causing potential problems” Nathan said explaining why Chase a Dream’s late three year old career required careful planning without too much hard racing.
“When you are handling issues like that and have to race at the top level at the same time it isn’t easy”
The winner of 10 of 18 starts and multiple G1 winner and placegetter, Chase a Dream will be based at Matamata for his next campaign while Mark has the task of a special preparation to fit him for a new campaign.
“It will be mostly swimming and work on the sand and Mark feels it is a recipe that will work for him” Nathan said.
Chase a Dream caused a sensation when Olivia Thornley guided him with a dramatic final burst to sink Mark’s drive, We Walk By Faith in the Two Year Old Sires Stakes Final.He repeated in the three year old version and won the Flying Stakes also at Group 1 level. But for his issues he would have been a stronger contender for the other three year old features late in the season.
His programme is likely to be guided by how he progresses but will certainly be followed with interest with such high powered ownership.
Chris and Mark combined with Chris’s Australian purchase,Shez All Rock, to run 1.51.8 to win the Harness Jewels Diamond in 2018 en rute to the United Stakes. Two out of three ain’t bad. Three out of three seems likely.
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