Racing: Franco Nelson opts for Chariots Of Fire

Franco Nelson driven by Craig Thornley. File photo / APN

The connections of Kiwi pacer Franco Nelson have turned their back on a shot at Inter Dominion glory.

But the greatly improved pacer will still be at Australasia's richest harness racing meeting in Sydney next week.

The Canterbury four-year-old was listed as first emergency for the A$750,000 ($812,000) Inter Dominion Final at Menangle on March 2 but trainer Robert Dunn has scratched him in favour of the A$200,000 Chariots Of Fire the same day. "We would have loved to start in the Interdom but the reality is the Chariots of Fire is a better race for him," said Dunn.

"So while we may not have got a start, I'd rather pull him out now and concentrate on the Chariots."

Franco Nelson will join stablemate Elios in that four-year-old classic and the pair will have their final lead-up at Menangle this Saturday.

That card will also include fellow Kiwi pacers Willow and Isaiah in heats of the NSW Oaks and Derby respectively.

Meanwhile, Auckland owner John Street was the biggest player as the harness racing yearling sales moved to Christchurch yesterday. Street, who runs Lincoln Farms, topped the sale with the highest price of the week so far, $140,000 for a Bettors Delight half-brother to Harness Jewels winner Beaudiene Bad Babe.

The colt is closely related to Street's juvenile winner at Alexandra Park last Friday, Beaudiene Boaz.

Street, who now syndicates some of his purchases as Lincoln Farms look to bring new owners into the industry, backed up from a solid day's buying at Karaka on Monday to grab six lots yesterday totalling $297,000.

Top trainer Mark Purdon was also active at the top end of the market paying $100,000 for another Bettors Delight colt while northern trainers John and Josh Dickie will take home an $87,500 colt.

The day was totally dominated by the stock of sire Bettors Delight, who is now setting records in the sales ring as well as on the track.