Open class exodus

By Michael Guerin

The talent drain of New Zealand’s best pacers looks set to continue next week.

Both New Zealand Cup placegetter Ashley Locaz and former Inter Dominion finalist On The Cards are both scheduled to fly to new stables in North America next week, news of their sales coming the day after last month’s group one winner Beyond Words was sold to the US.

Barry Purdon has confirmed On The Cards has been sold and will join leading US trainer Ron Burke while Ashley Locaz is also at Purdon’s awaiting a flight to North America to join former NZ trainer Chris Ryder.

They are likely to be joined by Queen Of Hearts winner Beyond Words, who passed a veterinary inspection this week and is also heading state-side.

With Star Galleria now trained at Menangle in NSW the open class ranks are losing three or four regulars.