First NZ runner for On A Streak

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

A win by debutant La Venture would cap off quite the few days for New Zealand-based sire On A Streak at Addington on Wednesday.

The Michael Purdon-trained filly will line up in Race 6, the Bond Racing/The Southern Connection 2YO Mobile Trot (7.35pm) following a trial win at Rangiora last week. Against just two other trotters she led from start to finish for Blair Orange, the last 800 in 61 seconds.

"Blair was happy enough at how she went," said Purdon, "and the next day she was jumping out of her skin."

Orange will again drive La Venture at Addington's six-race meeting that starts at 4.55pm. She opened a $2.50 favourite. 

Dynamite Hill ($3.80FF), who finished on well into second in the same trial, will also front up for trainer Sam Smolenski as will Macy Royale ($4.80), an impressive winner on debut for trainer-driver Kyle Cameron at Addington on April 10.

La Venture was bred by Yabby Dam Farms across the Tasman (out of La Serena) and was purchased for $25,000 by Purdon at the 2025 National Yearling Sales in Christchurch.

Purdon, who moved his small team to Woodend Beach earlier this year, also races the filly in an ownership group that includes his mother Vicki, Trudi Robertson and Purdon's partner Alison Ward.  

La Venture is the first progeny of On A Streak to hit the racetrack in this country.

Just last week he sired his first winner, with Bumper Crop winning on debut for driver Glen Craven at Terang in Victoria.

On A Streak (pictured above) is a son of the legendary Cantab Hall, 2020 US Breeders Crown 2YO champion and 2020 O’Brien 2YO Trotting Colt Of The Year. He stands at Wai Eyre Farm in North Canterbury in association with Yabby Dam Farms.

Purdon said in La Venture's case it was the "page on the dam side" that also caught his attention.

Her great grand dam is Kahu Del, who just happens to be the great Lyell Creek's granddam. Other star performers hailing from the same family are Dominion winners Amaretto Sun and Marcoola.

"The plan is to race her as a two and three-year-old and then breed from her," says Purdon, "unless she turns into a Keayang Zahara!"

To see the field for the race click here