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Highly-regarded filly Rondinella is the latest defection from next month’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).
Her classic hopes were dashed after suffering a foot injury in a stable mishap.
“It’s just one of those things that can happen,” said Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty, who co-bred and part-owns the three-year-old.
Trained by Roger James, the daughter of Ocean Park was an impressive maiden winner at Tauranga last month before she suffered from cardiac arrhythmia when unplaced in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.
Rondinella then finished strongly for fourth in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa before her latest setback.
“It’s disappointing, but you have to take the good with the bad,” Chitty said.