Injury sidelines star youngster

STAR juvenile Chase Auckland will miss next month’s New Zealand Derby.

Pulling up slightly sore following his recent Northern Derby triumph, Chase Auckland has been found to have curbed his hock.

As such, the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen-trained son of Auckland Reactor will spend at least three weeks on the sidelines while being treated.

Should all go to plan, Chase Auckland will resume work in time for the Harness Jewels in June.

“He curbed a hocked when won the Derby and this morning we could tell it was worrying him,” Purdon explained.

“The vet treated and shocked it today, which we may do once a week for a few weeks as we have had success with that in the past.

“We will evaluate him after three weeks and I’ll be surprised if it hasn’t settled down.

“It’s not major or career ending…it’s just a time thing. He will miss Derby but hopefully be on target for Jewels.”

Chase Auckland boasts an impeccable record of eight wins and a second from nine starts for earnings of $392,329.