By Mike Dillon
Just as well Nahayan has stable-mate Khun Achara as an inseparable buddy, because she's rapidly running out of the human variety.
If the class filly has any idea of the anguish she's causing her owners, she's not letting on.
And if Nahayan could only read the minds of punters who have supported her lately, she'd look over her shoulder when she crossed the road.
Quite simply, with the exception of her stablemate Sunline a couple of boxes along, Nahayan is the best filly in the business, but so far her connections have got heartburn instead of dollars.
Owners Trevor and Stephen McKee and Brian Collins could have swapped her any time in the past two months for enough dollars to buy a beachfront home on Takapuna Beach.
Instead they went for the fun - read fun and stakemoney - and so far have come up with neither.
Thanks to Nahayan's erratic racing manners, instead of a million dollars they've landed $77,100, which might pay a few Christmas credit card accounts, but it is a pittance compared to what the class filly can earn if she suddenly decides to run straight.
Having missed the big cheque in the $350,000 New Zealand Derby thanks to Nahayan zig-zagging the last 250m, the next big hope is Saturday's $250,000 Oaks at Trentham followed by a million dollar-plus Sydney campaign.
Trevor McKee must be a sadist. As one of Takanini's leading trainers McKee has always been a prolific seller of his most prominent horses.
"We've sold so many, we decided to keep Sunline and Nahayan for the fun of it."
Watching Nahayan butcher the Derby can be no one's idea of fun, but we know what you mean Trevor.
McKee is as confident as he can be Nahayan will run straight at Trentham on Saturday, but to be honest, he's guessing like everyone else.
"This being erratic on raceday is really against the grain because she's a filly with such a lovely temperament at home," said McKee yesterday.
After her Derby run Nahayan is certain to start favourite on Saturday and whatever she does it won't stop the flood of offers to buy her.
They started well before the Derby and have grown in size since.
"The money has been substantial, in fact, very substantial."
So has the stress.
Pictured: Nahayan (left) with stablemate Khun Achara. HERALD PICTURE / PAUL ESTCOURT
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