Racing: Mac, Black Cam US bound

By MICHAEL GUERIN

Todd MacFarlane knows it is the right decision but it still does not make it much easier.

The Pukekohe trainer will farewell his stable hero Mac De Stroyer this weekend when the 5-year-old is flown to the United States.

Mac De Stroyer has been bought by US-based owner Joe Muscara, who has gone on a spending rampage in recent months. His other purchases include Black Cam and Sunday's Kindergarten Stakes winner Franco Trubrooke.

In a double blow for northern harness racing, Black Cam will also be a surprise passenger on the plane.

The latter was looking like a superstar in the making and shaping as a major player in the New Zealand and Auckland Cups next season as trainer Mark Purdon decided to bypass the Interdominions. to concentrate on racing in New Zealand.

But in a late turnaround this week Black Cam's connections have decided his future is in the United States and so he will disappear from the Australasian Grand Circuit only weeks after joining it.

While Black Cam was only rated class seven, the sale of Mac De Stroyer sees one of New Zealand's established open class guns depart.

"It is a business decision and in that regard it is the right one. But if we were making the decision with our hearts he definitely wouldn't be going," said MacFarlane.

Mac De Stroyer was owned by MacFarlane's parents and gave the young trainer a dream start to his career.

Good enough to pace a 1:55 mile behind Courage Under Fire as a three-year-old, Mac De Stroyer blossomed last season, winning races on end before his 1:54.6 Taylor Mile.

He started this season with a roar by beating, among others, Yulestar, Holmes D G and Ouch in the first open class race of the northern season and was an unlucky second to Holmes D G at his next start.

After a luckless New Zealand Cup carnival he was found to have a respiratory infection that ruled him out of the Auckland Cup.

"It was a shame he didn't get to show his best over the cup carnival but he has been a great horse to me. He has been my stable flagship and has helped get my training career off the ground," said MacFarlane.

"While I hate to see him go I know he will do a great job in the United States. He has gate speed and the gait and will love all the mile racing on the big tracks. I would be disappointed if he couldn't pace a 1:50 mile."

MacFarlane's talented three-year-old Arainstorm was also sold to the US this season.

"But I still have over 20 horses in work and hopefully we will be buying couple more at the sales next week."

One yearling in particular might catch MacFarlane's eye. A half-brother by Soky's Atom to Mac De Stroyer will be sold at the Christchurch sale on Monday.