Search deep enough in the Totara countryside and you will find a hidden equine gem.
It will not be easy to spot, as it is nestled in the belly of 18yr-old broodmare Lady Loch.
The Falcon Seelster mare is carrying a foal that her breeder, Myrtle McCarthy, hopes can emulate the incredible deeds of her close relation, who is set to become harness racing's next superstar.
Lady Loch is the granddam of three-time Oaks-winning speed machine Shez All Rock, who may be born and bred in Australia but has roots that are firmly planted outside Oamaru.
Shez All Rock is by Rock N Roll Heaven from Irish Loch, a Mach Three daughter of Lady Loch who McCarthy sold at the 2011 national yearling sales.
Irish Loch did not reward her Australian buyer on the racetrack, as she never made it to the races.
But her bloodlines have made her a broodmare gem, as she has produced a filly that looks set to become Australasia's next glamour mare.
Lady Loch was served by Rock N Roll Heaven this season and is set to drop the resulting foal in November.
Until then, McCarthy will have the thrill of watching Shez All Rock tear up Australian racetracks to keep her occupied.
``It is a marvellous thrill, having sold the horse seven or eight years ago and then to have her to come up like that is just amazing,'' she said.
``She is a freak.''
McCarthy is hopeful her breed can produce another gem when Lady Loch foals, but her lifetime involvement in horses tells her there are no guarantees in racing.
``Hopefully it is going to be something, but in the racing you are never going to be sure of what is going to happen.''
Lady Loch has left a handy line of winners for McCarthy, including Southern Loch and Timely Loch.
But it is Irish Loch leaving Shez All Rock that has taken the family's bloodlines to new heights.
McCarthy is breeding from two other mares.
Her other Falcon Seelster mare, Hi Life Franco, had a foal by He's Watching this season.
Christian Cullen mare Tuapeka Christa had an American Ideal foal and is in at present in foal to Sportswriter.
McCarthy is the daughter of Jim Dalgety (sen) and the sister of former successful trainer Jim Dalgety (junior), who is the father of prominent trainer Cran Dalgety.
``I have just had these horses as a hobby. I have usually just had two mares. Initially, I started with two mares my father, Jim Dalgety [sen], had originally left me.''
Shez All Rock is raced by former Kiwi trainer Chris Ryder, who is now based in the United States.
He placed the horse with Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen for the New Zealand Oaks and the Harness Jewels.
It was recently announced the horse would stay on with the stable rather than return to her Australian trainer, Mark Pitt.
