30/1/2012 Ockham's Razor (NZ) Simply Stunning in Karaka Million

The 2012 $1 million Restricted Listed Karaka Million (1200m) - New Zealand's richest race - celebrated its fifth running at Ellerslie last night and was impressively taken out by the Australian trained - New Zealand bred Ockham's Razor (NZ).
Trained by Anthony Freedman and ridden by top Australian jockey Craig Williams, Ockham's Razor (Any Suggestion x Shadow Ray) put in a superb performance in the million dollar event. Drawing wide Williams was forced to ride the well backed colt at the tail of the field with plenty of pace on at the front of the pack.
The widest runner on the turn and many lengths behind the leaders, the challenge looked to be coming from up front with a wall of horses mounting their million dollar bid. But Ockham's Razor and Craig Williams were simply dominant on the outside, with the colt producing a strong and maintained turn-of-foot to race clear in the final stages to win by half-a-length.
For a two-year-old that had only had one start coming into the Karaka Million, a race well documented to test even the most experienced two-year-olds, his performance was outstanding.
Trainer Anthony Freedman, who travelled to Auckland for the race, was delighted with the result.
"That was very good to win like that, he may be better than we thought," commented Freedman.
"We came to the Karaka Sales last year and purchased this horse with the Karaka Million in mind. It's a race we have been focused on for some time so to come over and win it is fantastic."
A true trans-Tasman result, the New Zealand bred Ockham's Razor is the second Australian trained two-year-old to win the Karaka Million with the Liam Birchley trained Sister Havana winning in 2010.

Ockham's Razor wins the 2012 Karaka Million

Bred by John Thompson and Katsumi Yoshida, Ockham's Razor was purchased by Bahen Bloodstock Ltd from Rich Hill Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $170,000.
Raced by Australian Bloodstock, Mr J A Shaw, Mr C D Renshaw, Mr J P Hunter, Atkinson-Kaljo Racing, Donnelly Strohfeldt, Rodgers Goldman, Dr A C Matthews, Razor and Blackjack Bobcat, the colt now boasts earnings of over $550,000 from just two starts.
A massive result for first season sire Any Suggestion, only he and General Nediym had two horses in the race. Standing at Rich Hill Stud, John and Colleen Thompson's operation had a weekend to remember with Say No More winning the Group 1 Thorndon Mile on Saturday for her sire Pentire, who also stands at Rich Hill Stud, and last night's victory in the Karaka Million.  
Any Suggestion has 33 entries at Karaka 2012 including Lot 1034, the full sister to Ockham's Razor who will be offered by Rich Hill Stud at the Karaka Select Sale.
Running into second place was the Keith & Brendon Hawtin trained Silk Pins (NZ) (Pins x Silk Ending) who put in a big performance for her Australian jockey Hugh Bowman. A winner at Ellerslie on debut in late October she ran second to Travino in her next start in the Listed Merdoch Newell Stakes.
A $60,000 purchase by Whitby Bloodstock Trust from Trelawney Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale, she has won over $180,000 from just four starts.
From the outside barrier, the Jason Bridgman trained Warhorse (NZ) (General Nediym x Rathlin Island) put in a bold performance in the hands of jockey Matthew Cameron to take third place. Opening the race favourite, the last start Group 3 Eclipse Stakes winner was well supported in the market and ran home well after racing wide in transit.
A $100,000 purchase by New Zealand's leading buyer at Karaka, David Ellis of Te Akau Stud, the colt has now won just shy of $120,000 in stakes.
To view the final placings in the Restricted Listed $1 million Karaka Million (1200m), click here.
There is only one way to nominate your horse for the 2013 Karaka Million, and that is to purchase a yearling at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales Series this week and sign up for the Karaka Million. For more information on the Karaka Million, please contact New Zealand Bloodstock.

The million dollar colt Rock 'n' Pop continues to stake his claim as the country's leading three-year-old with a determined, hard fought victory in yesterday's Restricted Listed $100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Karaka 3YO Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie.
Trained by Jason Bridgman, the well backed Rock 'n' Pop (Fastnet Rock x Popsy) settled well in the running with jockey Matthew Cameron aboard and looked like he had the race under control at the 300 metre mark when he cruised to the lead.
But the colt quickly found himself in a fight as the Graham Richardson trained Mosh Pit (Scaredee Cat) loomed up and claimed the lead. In a determined effort, Rock 'n' Pop dug deep and kicked again inside the last 100 metres to fight back and win the $100,000 race by a short head at the post.
A winner of the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) two starts back, the colt has become a top performer in New Zealand's three-year-old ranks and is one of the leading chances heading into the Group 1 New Zealand Derby on 3 March.
Raced by the Te Akau Rock 'n' Pop Syndicate, the colt was purchased from Tom & Shelley Murtagh's Esker Lodge by Jayven See at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $1 million.
A blue-blood colt, Rock 'n' Pop was bred by Barnaby & Co Ltd and is a three-quarter-brother to the stakes winning mare Lilakyn (Danehill) who ran the closest of seconds in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup.
His dam, the Group 1 New Zealand Derby winning mare Popsy (Sir Tristram), has been a leading mare in New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka sales ring with nine yearlings sold for an average price of over $500,000. Her Redoute's Choice colt, later named Maciano, was the top priced yearling in 2008 when knocked down to trainer John Sargent for $1,450,000.
Running second in the Karaka 3YO Mile was Mosh Pit (NZ) (Scaredee Cat x Ten Guitars) who put in a big performance in the straight for jockey Corey Brown. In just her fourth start, she looks a top filly for her trainer Graham Richardson who is having a very successful 2011/12 season.
A $15,000 purchase by Graham Richardson from Waikato Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Select Sale, she has a half-brother by Pins in the Karaka Premier Sale at Lot 487.
Last year's Karaka Million winner Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward x Belle Toujours) has taken a liking to the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting and ran a good third after getting the perfect trip with jockey Jonathan Riddell aboard.
Trained by Lisa Latta, the 2011 Karaka Million winner was purchased by his trainer from Curraghmore Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $110,000.

29/1/2012 Six O'Clock News Claims Cup

It was almost two years away from the winning circle for Six O'Clock News (NZ) before he won the Trentham Stakes last weekend, and yesterday he continued his remarkable turnaround in form with a big win in the $200,000 Group 2 Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup (2400m).
In a masterful ride from jockey Leith Innes, he took Six O'Clock News (Zabeel x Maurine) from his wide barrier of 15 to mid-field on the rail as the field passed the judge for the first time.
Pulled off the rail three-wide with cover in the back straight, Innes worked his way through the field on the son of Zabeel, with the pair getting clear at the 350 metre mark to put the race beyond question, running away to a length victory.
Bred by the Bax family and Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Six O'Clock News was purchased by Stuart Hale from Blandford Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2006 Ready to Run Sale for $110,000. The seven-year-old has won eight of his 50 starts for over $520,000 in stakes.
Trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, the victory continues their top season as the stable also saw the highly talented three-year-old Karaka graduate Sangster (Savabeel) put in the bravest of performances to win the Group 1 VRC Derby in October last year.
Last year's Wellington Cup winner Spiro (Pyrus) ran a good second in the race after travelling wide with cover in transit, and Karaka graduate The Jungle Boy (Jungle Pocket) put in a big finish as he came from well back in the field to take third.
A son of the champion sire Zabeel, Six O'Clock News brought up Zabeel's first win in the Wellington Cup. The sire of 41 individual Group 1 winners and the dam-sire of 16 Group 1 winners, Zabeel currently leads the New Zealand and Australian Broodmare Sires' Premiership. He has 32 entries at Karaka 2012.
Blandford Lodge have 20 entries at Karaka 2012 including:

29/1/2012 A Quintessential (NZ) G3 Desert Gold

It looked an intriguing contest on paper and the $70,000 Group 3 Tiger Prawn Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) certainly delivered with Quintessential (NZ) producing a late finish to claim her first black-type race in the seventh leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series.
Trained by leading New Zealand trainer John Sargent, Quintessential (Fast 'n' Famous x Florette) settled at the tail of the field and on straightening set out after the leaders with jockey Lisa Allpress in the saddle.
With race leaders Abeautifulred and Capital Diamond looking to have the fillies feature wrapped up, it was Quintessential who produced a big finish from the back and nabbed the leaders by a nose at the post.
A filly that only had four starts coming into the race, two of which she had won, Quintessential is the first stakes winner for her sire Fast 'n' Famous who stands at Waikato Stud. A Group 3 winning son of champion sire Redoute's Choice, Fast 'n' Famous has 17 entries in the National Yearling Sales Series.
Bred by Trelawney Thoroughbred Ltd, Quintessential was purchased by Adrian Clark for Nearco Stud Limited from Trelawney Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Select Sale for $70,000. The victory gives the daughter of Fast 'n' Famous six points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series and a share of sixth place. She holds a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks on 17 March.
Trelawney Stud has 34 entries in the National Yearling Sales including:

• Lot 246, the three-quarter sister by Savabeel to the Group 1 winner Lights of Heaven (Zabeel).
• Lot 394, the half-brother by O'Reilly to the Group 1 VRC Derby winner Amalfi (Carnegie).

Running second in the Group 3 was the Lisa Latta trained Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) who has been in top form this season. She continues to produce bold performances in the Filly of the Year Series, placing in the Group 1 1000 Guineas and Eulogy Stakes, and has taken her total points to 8 in the Series, third equal with Chicharita (Towkay). She too is nominated for the New Zealand Oaks.
Coming with Quintessential in the final stages down the outside, Artistic (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Artless) is another filly that continues to produce good performances in the Filly of the Year Series. A winner of the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes in late September, she has earned 1.5 points, her first of the Series, and is another filly that is Oaks bound for trainer Shaune Ritchie.
To view the current points table for New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, click here.

26/1/2012 Big Year for Karaka 3YO Mile

Sunday's Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will see the third running of the $100,000 Karaka 3YO Mile (1600m) and, for the first time in the race's short history, it has been upgraded to Restricted Listed status.
The race's upgrade in status has come in just its third year and is justified when looking at the three-year-olds that have contested the race and have gone on to achieve black-type success. These include Group 1 winner Time Keeper, Group 2 winner Icepin, American Grade 3 winner Hoofit, stakes winner Hammer Down, and Sgp-1 placed Martial Art.
The race itself has also been won by some talented horses, with the inaugural running claimed by the Group 2 Avondale Guineas and Group 3 Wellington Stakes winner Joey Massino (O'Reilly) and last year won by the NZ 2009/10 Champion 2YO Banchee (Oratorio).
A race that had its first running in 2010, the Karaka 3YO Mile is a three-year-old race for graduates of the 2010 National Yearling Sales. Entry into the event is determined by domestic ratings.
Sunday's race will see 16 three-year-olds battle it out for the prize. They include the $1 million colt, the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas winner Rock 'n' Pop (Fastnet Rock x Popsy), the highest priced horse in the field. He beat a classy field in the 2000 Guineas, including New Zealand's Champion 2YO Anabandana (Anabaa), and comes into the race after resuming at Tauranga earlier this month.
Trained by Jason Bridgman and holding a nomination for the New Zealand Derby, Rock 'n' Pop has drawn barrier three with the services of jockey Matthew Cameron.
Trainer Lisa Latta won the Karaka Million with Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward x Belle Toujours) last year and she will be attempting to land the coveted Karaka Million/Karaka 3YO Mile double on Sunday night. One of four Premier Sale graduates in the race, Fort Lincoln will be ridden by Jonathan Riddell who rode Fort Lincoln to victory in the Karaka Million. They will jump from barrier eight.

Banchee powers away to win the 2011 Karaka 3YO Mile

Latta will also saddle Brackenwood (Perfectly Ready x Woodminco) who was unlucky in last year's Karaka Million. He has been racing in consistent form this preparation winning two of his six starts and placing in a further three, including his last appearance at Awapuni. He will jump from barrier 14 with Darryl Bradley in the saddle.
John Sargent has four runners in the Karaka Million and also has a good hand in the Karaka 3YO Mile with Shanghai Bund (Bachelor Duke x Flying Firebird). The gelding showed that he has a good amount of ability when winning easily at Hawke's Bay fresh up in October, and ran well for fourth in the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas and Group 1 Levin Classic. He has not had the best of luck in his last two starts, placing in both, but looks right in this. He will be ridden by James McDonald from barrier six.
Lightly raced Ginner Hart (Volksraad Lyford Cay) is capable of producing big finishes in his races. He won his first two starts in impressive fashion before placing in the Group 1 Hawke's Bay Guineas but had no luck in his last start when blocked for a run at a crucial stage. He will be ridden by Leigh Innes from gate five for trainer Alexander Fieldes.
Winning form is good form and the Don Sellwood trained King's Fortune (King's Chapel x Alleyrun) comes into the race with two consecutive victories under his belt, both over a mile. Two starts ago at Matamata the colt romped home by three-and-a-half-lengths and in his last start at Paeroa he led from the 1000 metres and held the field to win by a length. He has drawn the widest barrier of 16 in Sunday's race.
Darci Brahma has sired nine individual three-year-old winners this season and has two entries in the race, the Vanessa & Wayne Hillis trained Vincent Street (ex It's My Sin) and Matabrahma (ex Western Flame) from Paul Jenkins' yard.
Both runners have notched up winning performances this season and contested the three-year-old race at Ellerslie over 1600 metres on January 14. The pair have drawn barrier nine and ten respectively. Vincent Street will be ridden by top Australian jockey Damien Oliver.
The lightly raced Divine Spice (Postponed x Lady Gesine) has looked impressive in her four starts, breaking her maiden at her second appearance by three lengths and taking a further two seconds coming into Sunday's contest. One of five fillies in the race, she has drawn well in barrier seven for trainer Stephen Marsh and will have the services of Australian jockey Corey Brown.
Graham Richardson is one of four trainers with runners in both the Karaka Million and Karaka 3YO Mile and will saddle last start winner Mosh Pit (Scaredee Cat x Ten Guitars). She didn't get all favours in her first two starts but put that behind her with a good win at Ellerslie. Like stable mate Green Wings in the Karaka Million, she will be ridden by Australian jockey Hugh Bowman from barrier two.
One of six Karaka Select Sale graduates in the $100,000 race, Zah Girl (Keeper x Satin Pillows) put in a big finish at her last start at Ruakaka after getting back in the field and was just a few strides short when running a close third. She used her turn of foot to good effect when winning three starts back, beating fellow NZ Oaks bound Asavant (Zabeel) for trainer Shaun Clotworthy, and will jump from gate four with Michael Walker to ride.
Peter & Dawn Williams have had a highly successful season with Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock) taking the Group 1 1000 Guineas and will saddle Grand Admiral (General Nediym x Admiral's Lass). The gelding has won over the distance before two starts ago at Wingatui and will have his first start at Ellerslie from barrier eight with Sam Spratt aboard.
Molto Grato (Captain Rio x Mood Swing) has had three starts on the Ellerslie track for trainers Robert Priscott & Clayton Chipperfield, his last in the Group 2 Championship Stakes on New Year's Day, and has a tough draw to contend with in barrier 15.
One of five Festival Sale entries and the cheapest runner in the race, Classcoroc (Sirocco Class x Torque) was a $5,000 purchase by her trainer Graeme Hughes and has placed on the Ellerslie track and at the 1600 metre trip. She has drawn barrier 12 with Noel Harris to ride.
A $100,000 purchase by KVM Breeding Partnership from the Premier Sale, Captain Francis (Jet Spur x Quite Astute) is trained by Jeff Lynds and has only had three starts on the track. He ran on well at his last start after being buried back on the rail and has drawn the ace barrier. The Brent Wells trained Sighlent Spur (Rusty Spur x Sigh) will make his Ellerslie and 1600 metre debut from barrier 13.
2012 Karaka 3YO Mile Summary

• 2012 has seen the race upgraded to Restricted Listed Status.
• Lisa Latta is the only trainer with two entries in the race and she will saddle Fort Lincoln who won the Karaka Million last year.
• There are four trainers that have runners in both the Karaka Million and Karaka 3YO Mile: John Sargent, Graham Richardson, Jason Bridgman and Stephen Marsh.
• There are three Karaka vendors that have confirmed runners in the Karaka Million and Karaka 3YO Mile: Bluegables Farm, Oxford Thoroughbreds and Trelawney Stud.
• The race will see five graduates from the Karaka Premier Sale, six from the Select Sale and five from the Festival Sale contest the $100,000 prize.
• Of the current confirmed jockeys for the meeting, nine have rides in the Karaka Million and Karaka 3YO Mile thus far.
• Jockeys Sam Spratt (2010) and James McDonald (2011) have both won the race and are engaged to ride in Sunday night's race.

Taking place on Sunday night at 6:13pm from Ellerslie racecourse - the eve of the Karaka Premier Sale - this year marks the third running of the $100,000 race.
To view the final field for the Karaka 3YO Mile and Karaka Million, click here.

26/1/2012 Hot Karaka Million Field All Set for Sunday

The final field for the $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) (Res.L) - New Zealand's richest race - has been finalised and the line-up is set to make this year's running one of the most exciting yet.
A two-year-old race for graduates of the 2011 National Yearling Sales Series, the Karaka Million is limited to a maximum of 14 runners with the Order of Entry based on prize money earned.
Topping the Karaka Million Order of Entry since her debut win in early December, the John Sadler trained Sell In May (NZ) (Starcraft x Savannah Rain) is one of two Australian-trained entries in the race. She was impressive when winning her debut, a 2YO fillies race at Flemington, running the last 600 metres in 33.32 seconds. She has drawn barrier 11 in the Karaka Million and will be ridden by Australian jockey Ben Melham.
An impressive winner of the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes on New Year's Day, the Jason Bridgman trained Warhorse (NZ) (General Nediym x Rathlin Island) will have the services of jockey Matt Cameron on Sunday night. Raced by Mr Tang Weng Fei who races Singapore star Better Than, the colt has drawn barrier 15 in the million dollar race.

Sister Havana becomes the first filly to win the Karaka Million in 2010

While not the ideal draw, Vincent Mangano (No Excuse Needed) won the Karaka Million from the widest barrier in 2008 giving Warhorse some hope it can be done again.
A horse that has not been seen since the Wentwood Grange Stakes in early December, Silver City (Nothing To Loose x She's Just Dreamy) was the early leader on the Order of Entry after winning his debut at Ruakaka and the Listed Wellesley Stakes at his next start. He is one of three Stephen McKee trained runners in the race, and will be ridden by Leith Innes from barrier eight.
McKee will also saddle Freedom (NZ) (O'Reilly x Captivate) who won his debut impressively at Ellerslie on Boxing Day before running home from last to claim third place in a determined effort on January 14 on the same track. The colt will be ridden by Sam Spratt from barrier 10.
McKee's final entry is Dreamcoat (NZ) (Coats Choice x Eloquent Dancer), the cheapest purchase in the line-up at a bargain $5,000 from the Festival Sale. Also a winner on the Ellerslie track in early December, the filly looks to prefer good ground and all going to plan will have a good chance from barrier six with Michael Coleman aboard.
The top-priced two-year-old in the current Karaka Million starters is Ockham's Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion x Shadow Ray), a $170,000 purchase by Bahen Bloodstock and the second to be making the trip from Australia. Trained by Anthony Freedman, and accompanied to New Zealand by his brother Lee, the colt ran a tough second on debut in the Thomas North Plate at Caulfield, and will be ridden by big race rider Craig Williams from barrier 13.
Leading New Zealand trainer John Sargent has the biggest hand in the race with four runners in the final field. Sargent has gone close to winning the race with Banchee running third in 2010 and Super Easy running fourth last year and hopes to do better with some good chances this year.
His entries are headed by the $70,000 filly Marechal (NZ) (General Nediym x Zalika). One of two two-year-olds in the field by General Nediym, Marechal won her second start at Otaki before running a good fourth in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes behind Warhorse. She has drawn barrier nine in the race and will be ridden by Lisa Allpress.
Sargent will also saddle the $62,500 gelding Taoist Master (NZ) (Any Suggestion x Skara Brae) who created quite an impression when putting in a dominant performance to win on debut at Trentham in early December. He too looks a horse that enjoys the firmer ground and will have the services of jockey Jonathan Riddell on Sunday from barrier three.
Gary Mudgway purchased Choice Bro (Choisir x Ladidi) and stable mate Deakes (Shaft x Long Walk), in conjunction with John Sargent at the Karaka Select Sale and both of the horses have made the Karaka Million final field.
Choice Bro won at Ellerslie at his last start in late December, and Deakes comes into the race after running in Saturday's Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes. They will be ridden by James McDonald from barrier four and David Walsh from gate one respectively.

Fort Lincoln (Inside) makes a successful rails bid to win the Karaka Million in 2011

Graham Richardson's stable has been flying this season and his runner Green Wings (Dr Green x My Fairy Wings) burst into the Karaka Million field when he ran his rivals into the ground at Ellerslie in mid-January. From three starts, the two-year-old has won his last two races on good and dead footing. One of four starters from the Festival Sale, the $30,000 gelding and will be ridden for his Hong Kong owners by top Australian jockey Corey Brown from barrier 12.
A late entry into the top of the Order of Entry, Hogwarts Express (NZ) (Elusive City x Night Dancer) broke her maiden on January 12 at Te Rapa before running a brave third in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes, propelling her into the Karaka Million field. Trained by Stephen Marsh, she is one of five fillies in the field, a Festival Sale entry, and the second cheapest at $14,000, and will be ridden by Michael Walker from gate seven.
Another winner at Ellerslie, Silk Pins (NZ) (Pins x Silk Ending) was impressive when winning her debut where she beat some classy opposition including fellow runner Warhorse and stakes winner Travino. She didn't get all the favours when unplaced in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes but has had a winning trial coming into the race. She will be ridden by Hugh Bowman from barrier 14 for Keith and Brendon Hawtin.
The Kevin Hughes trained Mai Guru (NZ) (Ishiguru x Everglow) adds an historic element to the field. He is the first horse in a Karaka Million field to have been purchased at the Ready to Run Sale, having been pinhooked from the National Yearling Sales. He won his last start impressively at Woodville over 1100 metres and has drawn barrier two with top Australian jockey Damien Oliver to ride.
John Sargent trains the Karaka Million first ballot Magic Shaft (Shaft x Adaptable Lass). The gelding has only had two starts on the track for two placings, the last coming at Te Rapa where he ran second to Karaka Million starter Hogwarts Express.
Last year's Karaka Million winning trainer Lisa Latta and owner Lincoln Farms will saddle the race's second emergency Lady de Chine (Fastnet Rock x Crepe de Chine), a $250,000 yearling who won her last start at Taranaki in impressive fashion.
Karaka Million 2012 Summary

• The $1 million Karaka Million is the richest race in New Zealand, and is restricted to graduates of the 2011 National Yearling Sales Series.
• John Sargent is the trainer with the most starters with four and one emergency, while Stephen McKee has three taking their place in the line-up.
• The only Karaka Million winning sire with progeny in the race is General Nediym with two chances to sire another Karaka Million winner in 2012 (Warhorse & Marechal). He sired the 2010 winner Sister Havana.
• There are three Karaka vendors with multiple entries in the race: Haunui Farm (Freedom and Hogwarts Express), Trelawney Stud (Warhorse and Silk Pins) and Ainsley Downs Stud (Taoist Master and Choice Bro). Ainsley Downs offered just nine yearlings at Karaka 2011. The winning vendor will receive a $10,000 bonus.
• Jockey Jonathan Riddell won the Karaka Million last year and will have a chance to go back-to-back with Taoist Master in 2012.
• Sister Havana is the only filly to have won the Karaka Million in 2010. She is also the only Australian-trained entry to win the race.
• The Karaka Million will see six graduates from the Premier Sale, four from the Select Sale and four from the Festival Sale.

Taking place on Sunday night at 7:17pm from Ellerslie racecourse - the eve of the Karaka Premier Sale - this year is the fifth running of the million dollar race.
To view the final field for the 2012 Karaka Million, click here.

24/1/2012 Karaka Million Hopefuls Take to Ellerslie

Two contenders for the $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) (Res.L) - New Zealand's richest race - got their first look at the Ellerslie track today, with kiwi ex-pats Ockham's Razor (NZ) and Sell in May (NZ) having their first gallop on home soil.
The John Sadler trained Sell In May (Starcraft) and Anthony Freedman trained Ockham's Razor (Any Suggestion) were put through their paces this morning with former jockey and assistant trainer Brent Stanley riding Sell In May, and former jockey and New Zealand Bloodstock sales representative Danny Rolston aboard Ockham's Razor.
Working in company from the 1000 metres with the track rated a Good 3, the pair hit the line comfortably running the final 600 metres in just under 36 seconds.
Two-year-old filly Sell in May heads the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $56,172 in stakes after winning her debut at Flemington in a $70,000 two-year-old fillies race.
Assistant trainer Brent Stanley was happy all is on track with their filly after this morning's gallop.

Karaka Million hopefuls Sell In May (left) and Ockham's Razor (right) at Ellerslie this morning

"I am very happy with her work today," commented Stanley. "We worked her against her normal pattern as she likes to come from the back but she was right alongside Ockham's Razor for the hit-out.
"She had a good look coming around the corner which we knew she would and she is progressing nicely for Sunday's race. She is such a relaxed filly with a beautiful temperament and she has travelled so well."
Ockham's Razor went straight to fifth on the Karaka Million Order of Entry after his tough second placing in the $70,000 Thomas North Plate at Caulfield.
Anthony Freedman's brother Lee was at the track this morning to watch the colt go through his paces.
"He worked really well this morning," said Freedman. "We were very keen to bring him here before the race so he could have a look around and a bit of a hit-out before Sunday.
"We were keen to work him on the outside of Sell In May so he could get a feel for the track and the final bend and he took it very well.
"We haven't had a good look at the field yet so it will be interesting to see the final field tomorrow. We've had the race on the horse's radar for some time, the million dollar purse makes the race very attractive and it's a good incentive to come to Karaka and buy a horse with this race in mind."
The Karaka Million Order of Entry is based on prize money earned and the field is limited to a maximum of 14 starters. To view the current Order of Entry, click here. Nominations for the Karaka Million close today at 12pm.
The final fields for the Karaka Million and the Karaka 3YO Mile will be posted on New Zealand Bloodstock's website on Wednesday immediately following the barrier draw, which will be announced live on Radio Trackside by Peter Earley and Butch Castles at 12.10pm.

23/01/2012 Who Will Make the 2012 Karaka Million Field?

After an exciting build-up over the last few months, the field for this Sunday's $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) (Res.L) - New Zealand's richest race - will be finalised on Wednesday with nominations closing tomorrow, Tuesday 24 January, at midday.
With the final field of 14 determined by prize money won, Saturday's two-year-old contests at Trentham and Counties were the final opportunities for Karaka Million nominated horses to earn valuable stakes in an effort to gain a coveted start in the $1 million two-year-old feature. With those races completed, the field is now poised to take shape.
The John Sadler trained filly Sell in May (NZ) (Starcraft) heads the Order of Entry for the race with prize money of $56,172. She is one of two Australian trained horses aimed at the race, with the Anthony Freedman trained Ockham's Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion) also heading to the event. The pair will have their first look at the Ellerslie track at 7am tomorrow morning.
Leading New Zealand trainer John Sargent could have as many as five entries in the final field. Sargent has gone close to winning the Karaka Million with Banchee (Oratorio) in 2010 and Super Easy (Darci Brahma) who ran fourth last season.
Heading Sargent's entries on the Karaka Million Order of Entry is Marechal (General Nediym) with $12,800 in stakes after winning at Otaki and running fourth in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes. Sargent also has Taoist Master (Any Suggestion) in 12th place and Choice Bro (Choisir) and Deakes (Shaft) in 14th and 15th respectively. With the $800,000 Irish Rebel having already been declared a non-starter for Sunday's event, in favour of the Group 1 two-year-old races in later in the season, Deakes looks certain to earn a start.
With a Karaka Million start for these four horses looking likely, Sargent also has Magic Shaft (Shaft) in 17th position, and final nominations will show whether the horse makes the final field.
With the vendor of the winning horse receiving $10,000 of the winning cheque, Haunui Farm and Trelawney Stud have the best odds, with both having two graduates in the race. The Haunui graduate Hogwart's Express (Elusive City) earned her place in the top 14 on the Order of Entry after placing third in Saturday's Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes. She is joined by fellow Haunui graduate Freedom (O'Reilly), one of two Stephen McKee trained runners in the top 14.
McKee also has Silver City (Nothing to Lose) who is in third place on the Order of Entry after winning the Listed Wellesley Stakes back in October. The trainer may yet squeeze in a third entry if Dreamcoat (Coats Choice) can make the field; the filly is currently 16th on the Order of Entry.
Trelawney Stud is represented by the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes winner Warhorse (General Nediym) who will likely be ridden by New Zealand jockey Mat Cameron, and Silk Pins (Pins) who won impressively on debut at Ellerslie in October.
Graham Richardson's stable is in fine form this season and he intends to make a return trip to Ellerslie with Green Wings (Dr Green) who has won his last two starts, his last being at Ellerslie on January 14, where he led all the way for a one-and-a-quarter length win.
The Kevin Hughes & Dean Wiles trained Mai Guru (Ishiguru) also looks set to contest the Karaka Million after a smart last start win at Woodville. Should Mai Guru be entered into the race, he will be the first horse that has been purchased from the Ready to Run Sale, having been pinhooked from the National Yearling Sales, to make the Karaka Million field.
With 2012 only seeing the fifth running of the race, General Nediym will be the only sire who has a chance of siring another Karaka Million winner this year. General Nediym sired the 2010 Australian raider Sister Havana and has two two-year-olds in the top 14 on the Order of Entry, Warhorse and Marechal.
The race will also feature heavy interest from leading Australian jockeys including Hugh Bowman, Dan Nikolic, Craig Williams and Ben Melham who are all looking at taking mounts for the race.
The final fields for the Karaka Million and the Karaka 3YO Mile will be posted on New Zealand Bloodstock's website on Wednesday immediately following the barrier draw, which will be announced live on Radio Trackside by Peter Earley and Butch Castles at 12.10pm.

23/01/2012 Ocean Park Lashes Quality Field in G3

The three-year-old son of Thorn Park, Ocean Park (NZ), showed that he is a colt with a big future when he lead an NZB trifecta with a stunning four-and-a-half-length victory in the Group 3 $70,000 Phil Cataldo Bloodstock Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.
Trained by Gary Hennessy, Ocean Park (Thorn Park x Sayyida, by Zabeel) was slow from the gates and raced at the back of the field with jockey Chad Ormsby stoking the colt up at the 600 metres and bringing him wide on the turn.
In a professional performance against a tough field, Ocean Park picked up the leaders in a matter of strides after the turn, and in a hands and heels ride from Ormsby, the son of Thorn Park extended in the Trentham straight putting four-and-a-half-lengths on the field at the post.
Ocean Park has only had four starts, winning his debut and his second start, both at Ellerslie, before running second to Knight's Tour after a tough run in the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas at his last start.
Now the firm favourite for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby on 3 March, Gary Hennessy declared after the race that there's a lot of improvement left in the horse.
The win takes Thorn Park to second place on New Zealand's Sires' Premiership with just 61 runners, 49 less than O'Reilly who currently holds first place, and 33 less than Pins who holds third.
Thorn Park has 56 entries at Karaka 2012 including:

Ocean Park has extended Zabeel's lead on New Zealand's Broodmare Sires' Premiership where he is over $360,000 clear of Centaine. In a remarkable season, Zabeel also leads the Australian Broodmare Sires' Premiership with $6,936,883 in stakes.
Bred by Trelawney Thoroughbred Ltd, Ocean Park was purchased by his trainer and part-owner Gary Hennessy who races the colt with Hong Kong owners Andrew Wong and Steve Yan. The three-year-old was purchased from Trelawney Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Select Sale for $150,000.
Second in the Group 3 was another promising three-year-old Nashville (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Royal Kiss) who raced mid-field and looked sharp in the straight for trainer Adrian Bull. The gelding put in a winning trial coming into the race and is also nominated for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby.
Little Avondale Stud will be offering a half-sister to Nashville by Stravinsky at Lot 410 of the Karaka Premier Sale.
Running into third place and sealing the New Zealand Bloodstock trifecta was the Jason Bridgman trained $1.3 million colt Burgundy (NZ) (Redoute's Choice x Grand Echezeaux) who put in a good performance running from the back of the field to take third place. Burgundy also holds a nomination for the New Zealand Derby.

Tough Zabeel seven-year-old Six O'Clock News (NZ) has rewarded his connections' faith as he returned to winning form yesterday with a tough performance in the $70,000 Group 3 Mills Reef Winery Trentham Stakes (2100m) on Saturday.
Not seen in the winners' circle since taking the St Leger Trial in February 2009, Six O'Clock News (Zabeel x Maurine) fought bravely in the final stages of the race with Sydney jockey Nash Rawiller aboard, holding off the fast-finishing Roi d'Jeu (Montjeu) to win by a short head.
The win has seen the seven-year-old strike form at a good time as he is set to contest the Group 2 Wellington Cup (2400m) next Saturday at the same course. Rawiller rode Six O'Clock News in last year's Trentham Stakes where he ran fourth and commented that the horse is in solid form this year for the Group 2.
Zabeel had a top weekend as he was also the broodmare sire of Group 3 winner Ocean Park. The champion sire has 32 entries in the Premier Sale including:

Bred by the Bax family and Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Six O'Clock News was purchased by Stuart Hale from Blandford Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale for $110,000. The seven-year-old has won seven of his 49 starts for over $400,000 in stakes.
Running third in the race was another Ready to Run graduate, the honest performer Hold it Harvey (King Cugat x Daly Charm). A winner of 14 of his 60 starts, the seven-year-old continues to show his class in black-type races and his performance indicates that he will be a force to reckon with next week as he holds a nomination for the Group 1 Thorndon Mile.
Westbury Stud will be offering a half-brother to Hold it Harvey by Flying Spur at Lot 138 of the Karaka Premier Sale.
Capping off a good weekend for the Ready to Run Sale, racing in Dubai saw Ip Man (Mr. Nancho x Crownie) notch up career win number three from five starts when winning the Meydan Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group Handicap (1400m).
Trained by Singapore trainer Steven Burridge, Ip Man broke the 1400 metre track record and could now be a starter in the UAE 2000 Guineas.

23/1/2012 Fairway Wish Secures Black Type

Five-year-old gelding Fairway Wish (NZ) showed his true colours on Saturday at Trentham when fighting back to take his first black-type win in the $45,000 Listed Konami Anniversary Handicap (1600m).
Ridden by Lisa Allpress for trainer Karen Zimmerman, Fairway Wish (Sandtrap x Menta Verde) raced on a very keen pace and hit the lead in the straight before being overtaken by fellow Karaka graduate Undisclosed (Pins) who looked set for a classy victory.
However, the grey did what few horses can muster and produced another turn of foot to regain the lead just short of the post to win by a determined head margin.
Bred by Alan Jones and Edwina Morris of Berkley Stud, Fairway Wish is owned by the Sandtrap 2008 Racing Syndicate and was purchased by Kayzed Racing from Timberlee Thoroughbreds at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Festival Sale for $35,000.
The win was Fairway Wish's first at black-type level and his fifth on the track from 20 starts.
The Listed race saw New Zealand Bloodstock claim its second black-type trifecta of the meeting with the Peter McKay trained Undisclosed claiming second place and Kenny & Lisa Rae trained Flash Hapi hanging on for third after setting a solid tempo in front.

The 2012 Karaka Million will see two Australian trained horses make their return to New Zealand shores on Saturday as they target New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million.
The John Sadler trained filly Sell in May (NZ) (Starcraft x Savannah Rain) and the Anthony Freedman trained Ockham's Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion x Shadow Ray) are both booked to cross the Tasman, with the pair planning to eye up their new surroundings next Tuesday morning (24 January) at 7am at Ellerslie.
Sell in May was the first of the duo to make the Karaka Million Order of Entry when she won a two-year-old fillies event at Flemington on December 10, running the last 600 metres in a hot 33.32 seconds. The victory gave Sell in May NZ$56,172 in stakes which took her straight to the top of the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
"We are not known as a two-year-old stable but we were lucky with the filly because every time we have lifted the bar she has just gone up that little bit," said stable general manager Troy Corstens.
"It's really nice when you go in expecting not a lot and they come out and do that - it's a really nice surprise."

Sister Havana become the first Australian trained two-year-old to win the Karaka Million in 2010

Sell in May will be out to emulate the deeds of a previous Australian raider, the Liam Birchley trained Sister Havana (General Nediym), who became the first filly to win the race in 2010. Sell in May is one of four fillies currently in the top ten on the Order of Entry.
A $100,000 purchase by Balmerino Racing Partnership from Highview at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale, Sell in May will go into the Karaka Million with just the one start to her name and will be ridden by Australian jockey Ben Melham.
Ockham's Razor is one of two Any Suggestion two-year-olds currently in the top 14 on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. The colt made his race debut in the Thomas North Plate at Caulfield earlier this month and was forced to settle for second with an eye-catching finish after a tough run in transit.
"It was a good sound run on debut," commented Lee Freedman, Anthony Freedman's brother. "He was a bit green and didn't have everything go his way but it was a good performance."
"The horse is coming along very well since his run and he will have his first look at Ellerslie next Tuesday. The million dollar stake is pretty substantial so we will be there to have a good crack at the race."
The Thomas North Plate carried a stake of A$70,000 and Ockham's Razor's second placing saw him earn NZ$16,575, enough to take him to fifth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
A $170,000 purchase by Bahen Bloodstock from Rich Hill Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Premier Sale, Ockham's Razor also has a full sister in the 2012 Select Sale at Lot 1034.
Nominations for the Karaka Million close Tuesday 24 January at noon and, with just three races to go before nominations close, there will be a number of two-year-olds lining up in New Zealand over the next few days with juvenile races in Tarakani ($5,000 stake) tomorrow and Counties ($10,000 stake) on Saturday.
Saturday will also see the running of the Group 2 Little Avondale Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes with Karaka Million hopes Deakes (Shaft), Liberating (Iffraaj), Hogwarts Express (Elusive City), Mt Eden (Edenwold) and On Yer Feet (Snitzel) all in the field.
With first place taking home $50,000, second $16,000 and third $8,000 in the Group 2 event, these horses all have a live chance of gaining late entry into the Karaka Million.
The Karaka Million Order of Entry is based on prize money earned and the field is limited to a maximum of 14 starters. To view the current Order of Entry, click here.

With every horse in the field eligible for the 2012 Karaka Million as the country's two-year-olds hunt a coveted start in the million dollar event, Green Wings was the lucky one to race his way into Karaka Million contention in Saturday's Countdown to Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie.
Trained by Graham Richardson, who saddled three winners at the meeting, Green Wings (Dr Green x My Fairy Wings) took up the pace after jumping well from barrier two for jockey Masa Tanaka who also took three wins on Saturday.
In a solid performance, the son of Dr Green was too quick for his opponents as he headed the field into the straight and held his one-and-a-quarter-length margin to the post.
A horse that looks very much on the up, Green Wings came into the race with just two starts under his belt, running second on debut at Counties and then taking his first win at Taranaki on 27 December, beating Hogwarts Express (Elusive City) who won her first race at Te Rapa last week.
The victory has taken Green Wings' stakes earnings to $11,725 putting him in eighth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. With the Karaka Million field limited to a maximum 14 runners, nominated horses will be selected according to prize money won.
Graham Richardson confirmed that should everything go to plan, Green Wings will be back in two weeks to contest New Zealand's richest race.
Bred by Queensland-based Jim Buchanan, Green Wings was purchased by his trainer Graham Richardson from Leanach Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Festival Sale for $30,000.
Running second in Saturday's two-year-old event was the Murray Baker trained Testamonial Mak (Testa Rossa x Donna Sienna) who raced near the tail of the field and ran on well in the finishing stages. Unplaced on debut in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes, he is now in 28th place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $2,700 in stakes.
The Stephen McKee trained Freedom (O'Reilly x Captivate) looked in deep trouble on the turn, dead last and well off the pace, but the colt showed a good turn of foot and put in a good bid down the outside to claim third. He moves to 10th place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $10,000 in stakes and looks another likely starter on 29 January.
New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, will be run at a Twilight Meeting on Sunday 29 January at Ellerslie. There are just five two-year-old events remaining in New Zealand before race nominations close on Tuesday 24 January, including Saturday's Group 2 Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes which carries a stake of $85,000.

10/1/2012 Sargent Targets Karaka Million Riches

Currently sitting in first place on New Zealand's Trainers' Premiership with 51 race wins, 17 wins clear of his nearest rival, Matamata trainer John Sargent is preparing a big team for the $1 million Karaka Million (Res.L) on January 29.
A race that will boast a number of international entries and jockeys in 2012, Sargent could have as many as five horses in the race with his contenders currently headed by the General Nediym filly Marechal (ex Zalika).
A $70,000 graduate of the 2011 Karaka Premier Sale, the filly is eighth on the Order of Entry with $12,800 in stakes after winning her second start at Otaki in late November, and running a close fourth after a luckless run in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes.
Marechal is owned by former All Black Mark Carter with other family members, all of whom are also first-time clients of Ladbrook Park Stables.
Ninth on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $9,375 in stakes is the grey colt Taoist Master (Any Suggestion x Skara Brae) who put in a dominant performance when winning on debut at Trentham in early December. Purchased by Sargent at the Karaka Select Sale for $62,500, Taoist Master is co-owned by Shanghai businessman Li Tong who found Sargent over the internet.
Li Tong is the co-owner of another Sargent trained runner in Magic Shaft (ex Adaptable Lass), a son of first season sire Shaft who was purchased by Sargent for $60,000 at the Karaka Select Sale. The two-year-old ran a good third on debut in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes earning $6,650 and fifteenth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
Completing the line-up for Sargent's Karaka Million attack are Choice Bro (12th with $8,900 in stakes) and Deakes (13th with $7,450 in stakes).
Choice Bro (Choisir x Ladidi) has shown that he has plenty of talent when running second on debut in the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier at Awapuni. A $50,000 Karaka Select Sale purchase by Sargent and bloodstock agent Gary Mudgway, the colt then broke his maiden when winning the Countdown to the Karaka Million at his next start at Ellerslie.
Purchased by Gary Mudgway Bloodstock for $60,000 at the Karaka Select Sale, Deakes (Shaft x Long Walk) shows the same form line as his stable mate Choice Bro, running second on debut before winning at his next start at Wingatui by two-and-three-quarter-lengths.
Choice Bro and Deakes are raced by an Australian group of owners who Sargent met at last year's Karaka Million Twilight Meeting at Ellerslie. Perth-based syndicate organiser Kelda Jones was a guest of New Zealand Bloodstock at the 2011 Karaka Million when introduced to Sargent in its hospitality marquee.
"She told me 'I've got to have a runner in this race - this is a fantastic atmosphere," says Sargent.
"So we went to the Sales that week with [bloodstock agents] Gary Mudgway and Brad Spicer and picked out Choice Bro and Deakes for them.
"We only bought two yearlings and it looks like they'll have two of the 14 runners in the Karaka Million."
Sargent purchased six yearlings from the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka in 2011 and all but one looks to have a good chance of making the Karaka Million field on January 29. His other purchase La Vitesse (Darci Brahma x Naturo), a $80,000 graduate of the Karaka Premier Sale, will miss the Karaka Million but will be aimed at stakes races later in the season.
"You don't have to spend a lot; just find a nice running type that looks like it will take the pressure," says Sargent.

John Sargent trained Banchee racing away with the Karaka 3YO last year, she ran third in the 2010 Karaka Million

"I can't really split any of them at this stage - you've just got to try and get them there in a happy frame of mind, and then it's all down to luck."
Sargent has gone very close to winning the $1 million prize since its first running four years ago with Il Quello Veloce (Captain Rio) in 2008 and Banchee (Oratorio) in 2010. Both went on to take Group 1 races as two-year-olds and were crowned Champion NZ 2YOs.
Last year Sargent saddled Savabill (Savabeel) who flew home late, Dollario (Captain Rio) and Super Easy (Darci Brahma) who raced three wide and was only caught in the final 50 metres of the race.
"Banchee and Il Quello Veloce were knocked from pillar to post but that's what this race is, it's a very high-pressure race and decided by luck on the day.
"You can draw 14, or one, it all depends on whether you get a clear run."
New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, will be run on Sunday January 29 at Ellerslie and is limited to 14 starters. There are just seven two-year-old events remaining in New Zealand before race nominations close on Tuesday 24 January, including the Group 2 Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes which carries a stake of $85,000.
Click here to view the current Karaka Million Order of Entry.

9/1/2012 Two New Contenders for Karaka Million Riches

Two new youngsters have placed themselves firmly in Karaka Million contention this weekend, with good performances on each side of the Tasman putting them amongst the current top 10 on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
Racing at Woodville on Saturday saw the son of Ishiguru, Mai Guru (NZ) (Ishiguru x Everglow), shoot up the Karaka Million Order of Entry with a professional winning performance in the Bambry's Water Treadmill Juvenile (1100m).
Trained by Kevin Hughes and Dean Wiles, Mai Guru went straight to the lead with jockey Hayden Tinsley aboard and the pair led throughout, racing hard up against the rail to win by one-and-a-half-lengths in a hands and heals ride.
The win takes Mai Guru's stakes earnings to $9,050 and puts him in tenth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry which is based on prize money earned.
Mai Guru ran second in his race debut at his last start at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, putting in a big display when taking the lead at the 250 metre mark, only to be run down late by the O'Reilly colt Freedom.
Bred by Jim Campin and owned by the Elaine Chen Stable, Mai Guru was purchased by Ben Foote Racing Stables from Jim Campin at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Select Sale for $47,500.
The gelding was re-offered at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds in November last year and was purchased by David Kok of Singapore from Esker Lodge for $60,000.
Jim Campin will be offering eight yearlings at the Karaka Yearling Sales including a half-brother to Mai Guru by Europe's champion first season sire Iffraaj at Lot 720 of the Select Sale. His other entries include:

In Australia on Saturday, the Anthony Freedman trained Ockham's Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion x Shadow Ray) has gone straight to fifth on the Karaka Million Order of Entry when running a strong second on debut in the Thomas North Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.

Any Suggestion (above) and General Nediym both have two two-year-olds in the top 10 on the  Karaka Million Order of Entry

Bred by Jungle Pocket Pty Ltd, Ockham's Razor was purchased by Bahen Bloodstock from Rich Hill Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $170,000.
With his oldest progeny only two-year-olds, Any Suggestion has two horses in the top 10 on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with Taoist Master winning at Trentham on debut in December for John Sargent.
A sister to Ockham's Razor will be offered by Rich Hill Stud at the Karaka Select Sale at Lot 1034.
New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, will be run on Sunday January 29 at Ellerslie and is limited to 14 starters. There are just seven two-year-old events remaining before race nominations close on Tuesday 24 January, including the Group 2 Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes which carries a stake of $85,000.
Click here to view the current Karaka Million Order of Entry.

3/1/2012 Warhorse (NZ) Races Into Karaka Million Contention

The Jason Bridgman trained Warhorse (NZ) raced into the Karaka Million spotlight with a brilliant performance in the Group 3 Stella Artois Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie yesterday.
Ridden by top Australian jockey Nash Rawiller, Warhorse (General Nediym x Rathlin Island) came into the Group 3 as a maiden and had to overcome a tough trip after racing wide in transit. In the straight he quickened well on the wet ground and raced past fellow Karaka graduate and Bridgman trained Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer) to win by two-and-a-half-lengths.
Warhorse came into the race after running sixth to Travino and Oasis Rose in the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes and now heads the kiwi contingent on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $44,000.
Bred by Hope Bloodstock and owned by prominent Singapore owner Mr Tang Weng Fei, Warhorse was purchased by David Ellis from Trelawney Stud from New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $100,000.
A half-sister to Warhorse by the champion sire Zabeel will be offered at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale by Cambridge Stud at Lot 393.

3/1/2012 Platinum Princess (NZ) Takes Rich Hill Mile

The hot combination of trainer Lisa Latta and owner Lincoln Farms continues to deliver and struck again yesterday when Platinum Princess (NZ) proved too tough in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie.
Ridden by jockey Kelly Myers, Platinum Princess (Keeper x Merle Park) was well back in transit and produced a determined performance, weaving her way through the field to run down Smoulder in the final strides to win by a head at the post.
A winner of the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile two starts ago with 53 kilograms, the five-year-old mare ran below par when unplaced in the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes but showed that she is all class with yesterday's performance carrying 57 kilograms to victory.
The mare has had a busy campaign and connections have nominated her for the Group 1 Thorndon Mile next month at Trentham and will now have to decide whether to push on or give her a break.
Bred by Karreman Bloodstock, Platinum Princess was purchased by Lisa Latta from The Oaks Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Karaka Select Sale for $115,000.

The force is with Smith as he bags Kiwi feature with discard

Geoff Wilson January 2, 2012

Trans-Tasman triumph … Nash Rawiller scores on Atomic Force in the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, Auckland. Rawiller also won the Eclipse Stakes earlier on the card. Photo: Getty Images

ATOMIC FORCE outclassed his New Zealand rivals in the $200,000 group 1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie over 1200 metres yesterday.

Atomic Force last year gave trainer Darren Smith his first group 1 win when he claimed out the Galaxy at Randwick in April. ''This is a great thrill. I did not think anything would equal the Galaxy as it was my first group 1,'' Smith said. ''But to bring a horse all the way from Newcastle to New Zealand and win a group 1 is special. There is no doubt this is the best horse I have ever trained. Early in my career I had Varikos, but I was on my P plates training a Ferrari in those days.

''Then Court Command and Madame Pedrille came along. They were both super, potential group 1 horses but they did not get that big win. This bloke has done that and done it well.''

Smith is contemplating more group 1 success in New Zealand. ''The Telegraph is their biggest sprint, and that is in three weeks,'' he said. ''I will send the horse to Shane Treweek's brother Mark's property, which is five minutes from Ellerslie.

''Atomic Force can have four or five days in the paddock there, and then we will see if he is ready to have another go at them over here.''

For now, Smith will enjoy the moment. ''I couldn't be prouder of the horse,'' Smith said. ''He's done Newcastle proud. Now the Kiwis know what sort of horse we can produce at Broadmeadow.

''We all knew he was a top-class 1100 metre sprinter but today he went to another level. I am just so happy for the horse and all my staff, who have done such a great job with my horses.''

Smith said he was worried when Atomic Force was slowly away and back fifth last at the start of the sprint. From the 12 barrier after the emergencies were scratched, he was always going to race wide.

''I was feeling average early on,'' Smith said. ''But to his credit Nash [Rawiller] did not panic. He let the horse balance up, and even though he was so wide at the home turn, he looked to have them in his sights a fair way out.

''I thought he might run away with it but The Hombre really dug and chased our horse.''

Atomic Force went from winning a welter at Canterbury on November 26 to yesterday's success. ''Not many horses are good enough to go from welter company to winning at the elite level,'' Smith said. ''That shows how good this horse is.''

Smith has taken a cast-off from several Sydney stables to winning the Galaxy at Randwick over 1100m as well as the Railway Stakes.

Atomic Force was tried by Chris Waller, John Hawkes and Kevin Moses without much success.

''Dean Watt from Dynamic Syndications rang one day and said he needed help,'' Smith said. ''He said he had a horse which he thought had ability but wasn't producing on race day.

''I looked up Atomic Force's form, and he was beaten in an average ratings 70 race at his last start at Wyong. To be honest, I thought he might be a country horse but all he has done is improve since he got to our stable.''

And what was the magic formula of turning around Atomic Force?

''All I can say is that he is a happy horse,'' Smith said. ''He is enjoying the racing, and the fact he has now raced successfully in Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand shows that nothing bothers him.''

Smith said he was expecting a big run from Atomic Force after he saw the gelding when he arrived in New Zealand on Friday.

''Shane Treweek, who is in charge of him over here, had the horse bristling in fitness and health,'' he said. ''I took one look at him on Friday and said to Shane, 'These Kiwis will want to be good to beat this bloke.' He lived up to his looks today.''

Smith completed a rare double yesterday. As well as his win in New Zealand, he was also successful at Port Macquarie.

Smith's stayer Gallant Spur made it two straight wins when he took out a 2012m benchmark 67 handicap.

Wet track gives Atomic Force the edge

Barry Lichter

January 1, 2012

Matured ... Atomic Force. Photo: Jenny Evans

HE'S one of Australia's fastest sprinters, he's in peak form and he loves wet ground, so don't let the wide alley put you off Atomic Force in today's $200,000 group 1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie.

If he'd had his way, Newcastle trainer Darren Smith would have been on his way back from taking on the world's best sprinters in the Hong Kong Sprint rather than preparing to tackle New Zealand's best.

But Smith now sees the chance to pluck another group 1 race from much more modest opposition as compensation for missing selection for Hong Kong. And if the weight scale wasn't enough to make Smith smile, the poor weather forecast certainly did, as Atomic Force is at his competitive best when it's wet.

Given the six-year-old has won 10 of his 35 starts, including the group 1 Galaxy (on a heavy track) and earned nearly $1 million, he looks thrown into the Railway just one kilogram above boom Kiwi Durham Town, which boasts just five wins and $107,000 in stakes.

Smith rates Atomic Force at least on the same level as earlier Railway winners from across the Tasman in Recurring (2005) and Gold Trail (2010). His travelling foreman, Shane Treweek, who has looked after the horse since his arrival 10 days ago, goes further.

''Apart from Black Caviar and Sepoy, he'd be the best 1100-metre horse in Australia,'' Treweek said. ''And while 1100 metres is his pet distance, he's won a couple at 1200 metres and has been very competitive in the group races.''

Smith has had Atomic Force for two preparations now after he lost form and went through four previous trainers with a succession of unsoundness issues.

But Smith said he had matured out of his niggles and, trained on his farm, he had performed consistently at the highest level. So much so that his sole concern is that Atomic Force has been up a long time, his latest campaign having started in mid-July.

''But we've spaced his races, kept him happy and he's handled everything we've thrown at him,'' he said.

Planet Rock Shoots for the Double in NZB Royal Stakes

New Year's Day racing at Ellerslie will host the sixth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m), with 11 fillies shooting for the eight points on offer.
The Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes will see a number of three-year-olds contest the race after lining up on Boxing Day for the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic, including the race winner and current Series leader Planet Rock.
Leading throughout the Boxing Day contest in a bold front-running display, Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) make it two consecutive victories after winning the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She has a clear lead in the Series for her trainers Peter and Dawn Williams with 20 points and judging by her trainers' comments, the 2000 metres should hold little concern. She has drawn barrier three with Hayden Tinsley aboard.
Also backing up from Boxing Day, the Graeme & Debbie Rogerson trained Dowager Queen (Savabeel x Dower) comes into the contest having been tested over 2000 metres when running second to the Bart Cummings trained Gliding in the Listed Ethereal Stakes in Melbourne. She was unplaced in the Eight Carat Classic and has a tough draw to contend with in barrier 10 with Jonathan Riddell booked to ride.
The stable will also see the blue-blood filly Joy's Choice (Redoute's Choice x Tricia) make her second appearance in the Series. She had a tough trip in transit when unplaced in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes in her last start but has the wide barrier of 11 to contend with.
Currently sitting fourth equal with six points in the series, the Shaune Ritchie trained Zurella (Zabeel x Doneze Girl) was impressive when winning the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes and has won three of her four race day starts. She has improved with every start and, being by Zabeel, the extra ground looks tailored to suit and she looks a very exciting filly.
The Michael Moroney and Andrew Clarken trained Chicharita (Towkay x Trisynd) and Our Famous Eve (Fast 'n' Famous x Expoeve) from Glenn Old's stable come into the race off the back of winning performances. Our Famous Eve has claimed two wins over the mile, her last at Te Rapa in mid-December, and Chicharita comes into the race after winning at Ellerslie in early December over 1600 metres.
Postponed will have two runners in the race with the Stephen Marsh trained Divine Spice (ex Lady Gesine) and Poste Restante (ex Little Tee) who both come into the race after running second at their last starts. They have both drawn wide with barriers seven and nine respectively.
Leading Australian jockey Nash Rawiller has taken the ride on the lightly raced Lady Krovanh (Dehere x Miss Krovanh) from Don Sellwood's stable. With just three races to her name, she broke her maiden two starts back at Matamata and ran second at her last appearance over a mile at Counties.
The lightly raced Nineteen Forty (O'Reilly x Centenary) has also only had three starts and comes into the race as a maiden for trainer Paul Jenkins after running third at her last appearance at Counties over 1400 metres. The Graeme and Mark Sanders trained Glowing (Bachelor Duke x Jolie Femme) joins the field as a maiden after four starts, finishing second over 2100 metres at her last start. She has drawn well in barrier two.
The winner of the $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) will receive eight points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, with second place taking four points and third two points.

High class filly Planet Rock (3f Fastnet Rock x Akris, by Zabeel) proved her wet track win in the Group I NZ 1,000 Guineas was no fluke when she defeated a crack field of 16 to win the Group II ARC Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

Prepared by the husband and wife team of Peter and Dawn Williams, Planet Rock was ridden a positive race by Hayden Tinsley and ran the 1600 metres out strongly to defy the late challengers and win the prestigious event by a dominant length and a half.

It was the second stakes win for Planet Rock, who has the overall record of four wins and four placings from eight starts with prizemoney of $338,975.

A $290,000 purchase from the Wellfield Lodge draft at the 2010 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Planet Rock is the first foal of the stoutly bred Zabeel mare Akris, a half-sister to two mile stakes-winner Gorky Park from the family of Group III winner Galroof, the dam of spring stakes-winners Pinnacles and Sabrage.

Planet Rock is one of 23 stakes-winners for Fastnet Rock and is his eighth Group I winner, four of them coming during the spring with Planet Rock joining Atlantic Jewel, Pop ‘n’ Rock and Mosheen.

Interestingly all four of his spring Group I winners carry Sir Tristram (IRE) blood on their female side, Atlantic Jewel and Planet Rock from mares by Zabeel, Pop ‘n’ Rock from a daughter of Sir Tristram (IRE), while Mosheen’s grand-dam is by the Sir Tristram horse Kaapstad.

There are only three yearlings to be offered at the 2012 Magic Millions that are bred the same way.


Lot 9 Filly Fastnet Rock x Governing Spirit (NZ) - Coolmore Stud

Lot 489 Filly Fastnet Rock x Black Minx (NZ) - Newgate Farm

Lot 572 Colt Fastnet Rock x Demanding - Racetree

Knight’s Tour too good in the Great Northern

Reset three-year-old becomes the 16th Stakes winner for his G1-winning sire

Having only his third career start, the Stephen McKee-trained Knight’s Tour scored an exciting win in the G2 Great Northern Guineas over 1600m at Ellerslie, New Zealand.

Holding a nomination to the G1 New Zealand Derby in March, the progressive son of the unbeaten Reset is sure to improve as he gets further into his current preparation with his main aim being the G1 classic.

Bred by Darley Australia, Knight’s Tour is out of the Machiavellian mare Hestia, and comes from the family of Octagonal’s G1 winner Laverock as well as this season’s Stakes-winning Lonhro juvenile Pierro. Hesita has a two-year-old by Lonhro in the Peter Snowden stable named Tiryns, a yearling by Commands, and foaled a filly by Medaglia d’Oro in early December.

The sire if 16 international Stakes winners, Reset has been enjoying a great season through the deeds of G1 WS Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker, as well as the recent G3 success in New Zealand of Cassini. Having just finished covering his most recent season at Darley's Northwood Park, Reset is currently the leading Victorian-based Stakes-winning sire.

26 December 2011

The fifth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $100,000 Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m), is shaping up as an outstanding contest with a number of the country's leading fillies set to contest the race.
To be held at Ellerslie's famed Boxing Day Races, the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic is the first of two New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year races to be held over the Christmas/New Year period. The Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) will be held six days later, at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.
Currently leading the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series with 12 points is the Peter and Dawn Williams trained Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) who will line up on Boxing Day. A winner of the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas at her last start, she ran third in a recent trial at Te Aroha.
Planet Rock is proven over the mile at Group 1 level and according to her trainers will only get better with longer trips. The daughter of Fastnet Rock is currently also in third place, and is the highest rated filly, on the Order of Entry for the Karaka 3YO Mile (Res.L) on 29 January.
The highest rated filly in Saturday's field is Dowager Queen (Savabeel x Dower) who was highly competitive against some of the best fillies in Australia earlier this season, including running a strong second in the Group 1 VRC Oaks. Trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, she ran out of the placings in her last start in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes but is more than capable of adding the race to her black-type record.
Graeme and Debbie Rogerson will also saddle Abeautifulred (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty) with Sam Spratt aboard from the ace draw. She ran a brilliant second in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas in just her third race day appearance taking seven points and second place in the Series. She fought hard in her last start when running fourth in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes and Monday's race will see a rematch with her rival Planet Rock who only just beat her in the Guineas.

NZB Filly of the Year Series leader Planet Rock wins the G1 NZB 1000 Guineas

A highly consistent filly that always produces an honest effort, Testa Secret (Testa Rossa x Acacian Secret) is currently in fifth place in the Filly of the Year Series with six points. The Kevin Gray trained filly has run places in the Listed Fillies Stakes, Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes and Group 3 Eulogy Stakes at her last start and is well placed in the field. She has drawn 11 with James McDonald taking the mount for the first time.
The filly currently heading the betting is the Ken and Bev Kelso trained Xanadu (Elusive City x Forest Dream) who is unbeaten in three starts, her last coming at Ellerslie in an impressive performance over a mile on 3 December. She faces a big step up in class in the Group 2 but faces no trouble with the distance for Craig Grylls.
Very much in the same boat, Purpose (ex Vivane) is by the hot sire Falkirk and comes into the race off back-to-back victories. A winner of three of her five starts for trainer Richard Collett, she also faces a big ask leaping to Group 2 level, but is another to keep a sharp eye on.
Roger James will saddle three runners in the race including Holy Moly (Holy Roman Emperor x Clarissa) who won the second leg of the Filly of the Year Series, the Listed Soliloquy Stakes, giving her four points in the Series. She comes into the race having run second to Burgundy (Redoute's Choice) in a trial at Cambridge last week.
From the same stable, Roger James will also saddle Full of Spirit (Flying Spur x Imposingly) and Silent Achiever (O'Reilly x Winning Spree). Both lightly raced, they each come into the Group 2 with impressive wins under their belts, while Full of Spirit has to contend with a tricky draw from gate 17.
The Darci Brahma filly Artistic (ex Artless) from Shaune Ritchie's stable comes into the Group 2 from a short break after her good fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She was very impressive when winning the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes against the boys earlier in the season and is another that is well placed in this highly competitive field.
The Louise Saunders trained Melody Celebre (Castledale x Right On Time), and White Lies (Postponed x Miss Smugg) from Stephen Marsh's yard, both come into the race off last start wins in Rating 65 events at Ellerslie and Pukekura respectively.
New Zealand's champion sire Volksraad will have two runners in the race with Paul Shailer's last start winner Mapmaker (ex Straight Eight) who will have the services of Australian jockey Nash Rawiller, and Blooming Hell (ex Our Prized Rose), for trainer Richard Sherwin, who won over 1230 metres two starts ago at Arawa Park.
Unbelieveabelle (Handsome Ransom x Shona Indre) has been competitive in the Filly of the Year Series so far running fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. Trained by Stephen Crutchley, she had a tough trip in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes after being caught well back in transit but was a winner prior to that at Woodville over 1200 metres in late October.
Another runner for Falkirk, Rose of Falkirk (ex Class Jewel) showed she has ability when putting in a solid performance two starts ago to win at Ellerslie for trainer Mark Brosnan in a Rating 70 1200m event. The Mark Mullane trained Alley Cat (Storm Creek x Countess Zoya) rounds off the field and comes into the Group 2 a maiden after five raceday starts.
The winner of the $100,000 Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) will receive 8 points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, with second place taking 4 points and third 2 points.

The $800,000 Danehill Dancer colt Irish Rebel (NZ) has made the best of starts to his career on Saturday when winning his debut in the New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO Premier (1100m) at Awapuni.
Purchased by David Ellis from Cambridge Stud at the Karaka Premier Sale, Irish Rebel was acquired with the $1 million Karaka Million in mind, with Saturday's win keeping that plan on track.
"He is a very athletic colt, the ideal type of horse for the Karaka Million and we will be aiming him at the race," commented Ellis immediately after securing the horse in January this year.
Ridden by jockey Matthew Cameron, Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer x Ballycairn) went straight to the lead from barrier five and was dominant in the straight, showing a good turn of foot and racing clear of the pack to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
Trained by Te Akau's Jason Bridgman, the colt showed from the beginning that he had some ability after running second in his first trial at Te Teko in September, and winning his second trial at Cambridge late last month.

An outstanding yearling, Irish Rebel made $800,000 in the Karaka Ring at NZB's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale

Karaka Million nominated, Irish Rebel won $9,375 in stakes which takes him to sixth place on the Karaka Million (Res.L) Order of Entry. For graduates of the 2011 National Yearling Sales Series, a maximum field of 14 starters will get to line up in New Zealand's richest race.
A blue-blood colt, Irish Rebel is from the Zabeel mare Ballycairn making him a half-brother to the Group 2 winner Pure Harmony (Stravinsky) and Group 1 placed Galway Lass (Rhythm), the dam of the stakes winner Outdo (Exceed and Excel).
Zabeel's success as a damsire is evident, with 82 stakes winners, 16 at Group 1 level including Samantha Miss (Danehill), Darci Brahma (Danehill) and Anacheeva (Anabaa).
Zabeel currently heads the Broodmare Sires' Table by Earnings in Australia with $6.2 million from 281 runners, 125 runners less than Danehill who is currently in second place on $5.5 million. Zabeel also leads the New Zealand Broodmare Sires' Table with $888,887.
Danehill Dancer has four yearlings (3 colts & 1 filly) in the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale including:

19/12/2011 Cassini Takes Stakes Double

The six-year-old mare Cassini is racing in career best form and extended her winning record on Saturday when proving too good in the $70,000 Group 3 Hotel Coachman Manawatu Cup (2300m).
Taken straight to the front and settling just off the pace on the rail for jockey Lisa Allpress, Cassini (Reset x Mathematical) loomed up to the leading trio in the straight and, after looking like a close finish was on the cards, kicked away to win by an impressive one-and-a-quarter lengths.
Running second in the Manawatu Cup last season, the Mark Oulaghan trained Cassini has gone back-to-back in black-type races after winning the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) at her last start.
A mare who is racing in top form, she holds a nomination for the Group 2 City of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on January 1 where she currently shares favouritism with Innocent Lady (Viking Ruler) at $8. She is also nominated for the Group 2 Wellington Cup on January 28.

12/12/2011 Starcraft Serves Up Latest Karaka Million Leader

The Order of Entry for the 2012 Karaka Million (1200m) (Res.L) - New Zealand's richest race - is beginning to take shape with Saturday's winner Sell in May (NZ) going straight to the top of the leaderboard of two-year-olds eligible for a coveted start in the one million dollar feature.
Trained by John Sadler in Melbourne, Sell in May (NZ) (Starcraft x Savannah Rain) won her debut at Flemington on Saturday in a A$70,000 2YO Maiden over 1000 metres with jockey Stephen Baster aboard, running the last 600 metres in a hot 33.32 seconds.
Bred by the Hong Kong Breeders Club and offered by Brent Gillovic's Highview Stud at the Karaka Premier Sale, Sell in May was purchased by the Balmerino Racing Partnership for $100,000. The A$42,700 in stakes earnings from Saturday's win puts Sell in May at the head of the Karaka Million Order of Entry which is based on prizemoney earned.
Sell in May is one of four Australian trained horses currently on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. The $75,000 filly Empress Elect (NZ) (Holy Roman Emperor x Trouville) from David Payne's stable has had three starts for two placings including a third on debut at Randwick for A$11,300 in stakes and lies in fourth position.
The Travelling Man (Mossman x Gypsy Jewels) has had one start for Matt Laurie, running fourth at Caulfield in the Listed Debutants Stakes and currently scrapes into the top 10, while the $300,000 Encosta de Lago colt Varanasi (ex Pace Invader) has also made the Order of Entry after running fifth on debut at Randwick in early November.
Currently holding second place and heading the kiwi entries is the $58,000 Festival Sale graduate Silver City (Nothing to Lose x She's Just Dreamy). Trained by Stephen McKee, the colt won his debut at Ruakaka in early September and went on to take the Listed Wellesley Stakes at Trentham at his next start. His stakes earnings currently total $31,750.
Pins' daughter Silk Pins (NZ) (ex Silk Ending) is sitting in third place with $15,400 after just two starts on the track. She won her debut at Ellerslie in the NZB Ready to Run Sale 2YO and followed up with a good second in the Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes at Pukekohe in mid-November.
With two-year-old stakes races such as the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes, Group 3 Eclipse Stakes and the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes, plus numerous two-year-old black-type races in Australia yet to be contested, the Order of Entry for the Karaka Million is far from final.
To view the Order of Entry for the 2012 Karaka Million, click here. To view the list of eligible horses for the Karaka Million, click here.

12/12/2011 Lady Kipling (NZ) Continues Savabeel's Hot Run

The high class mare Lady Kipling (NZ) was labelled early as a black-type mare and she lived up to that billing on Saturday when winning the $85,000 Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa.
Competing against some tough opposition, including the Group 1 Queensland Oaks placed Shez Sinsational (Ekraar), Lady Kipling (Savabeel x Akela) proved too good when asked by jockey Matthew Cameron to quicken at the 200 metres, taking the Group 2 by a length at the post.
The four-year-old daughter of Savabeel has taken four victories this season for trainer Murray Baker and came into the race off the back of a good win at Counties over 1600 metres in a $40,000 Open Handicap.
Now the winner of six of her sixteen starts, Lady Kipling is the 13th stakes winner for her sire Savabeel who can do little wrong at present. Making a solid start to the season, the Cox Plate winning son of Zabeel has also seen Sangster (NZ) win the Group 1 VRC Derby and Strike the Stars (NZ) take the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes.
Standing at Waikato Stud, Savabeel has a draft of 54 yearlings at the 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales.
Bred by Alchemy Family Trust and Windsor Park Stud, Lady Kipling was purchased by her trainer Murray Baker from Windsor Park Stud for $62,500 at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2009 Karaka Select Sale. She is now raced by Geoff Candy and Lawrence Redshaw.
The 2012 Karaka Premier Sale will offer a half-sister to Lady Kipling by High Chaparral at Lot 36 from Windsor Park Stud.
Saturday's Te Rapa meeting saw NZB graduates notch up a stakes double with Mydiamond Bracelet (NZ) (Al Akbar x Plain Jill) taking the Listed Ag and Turf Sprint (1400m) after kicking clear and holding her lead to the post to win by a neck.
A five-year-old mare, Mydiamond Bracelet is trained by Graham Richardson for owners G A Andrew, J D Clark, J J Lawrence, R L Pearson & The Bohemian Trust, and was stakes performed coming into the race, improving dramatically on her luckless last start in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.
Running fourth in the Listed Rotorua Stakes to Dowager Queen (Savabeel) and Fleur de Lune (Stravinsky) in May, Saturday's victory was her second this season after winning at Te Rapa in late October.

12/12/2011 NZTR plan to revitalise thoroughbred racing released

Bigger fields with more mares and fillies are part of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s proposed plan to raise revenue flows and revitalise the gallops industry.   
Facing up to what has been a growing gap between falling revenue and increasing costs, NZTR has proposed a comprehensive business plan with 22 separate areas of action and is releasing it to its Clubs this week. Click here for NZTR Business Plan 2012-14.
Among the core objectives detailed in the business plan is an initiative to grow field sizes from an average of 10.7 runners in 2011 to 11.2 by 2013. To achieve this NZTR will attempt to increase the number of times that horses compete each year from 5.7 starts to 6.2 starts by introducing a new programming and handicapping system. Research shows the size of race fields is the greatest driver of betting revenue and in recent years the number of races with less than eight starters has risen from 364 in 2007 to 484 in 2011. 
While fillies and mares comprise approximately 55% of the available horse population, they made up only 46.5% of horses which raced in 2011.  NZTR is aiming to raise the participation of fillies and mares in thoroughbred racing by increasing the gender allowance from 1.5kgs to 2.0kgs, introducing a 90-race annual fillies and mares series, and investigating other potential incentives.
Other initiatives to make far better use of our horse population include a lift in prize money levels from 1 March 2012; a further planned increase from 1 August 2012; smoothing the considerable variations in field size that exist by time of year; better aligning race programmes to horse availability by region and class; recently implemented handicapping reforms to ensure a more even spread of horses through the grades; and a general move to racing later in the day. Finally, NZTR intends to apply considerable focus to the sizeable growth opportunity that lies in exporting our racing to international audiences.
NZTR is moving to reposition the industry in certain key areas. NZTR will work with clubs to put in place benchmarks to ensure they meet customers’ needs and will re-examine funding models so that accurate cost and price signals are sent to clubs to assist them in allocating resources efficiently. NZTR Chairman Matthew Goodson said that, “we must move from a supply-led to a demand-led racing structure.”
The Plan also recognizes the crucial need to return the industry to a path of revenue growth. NZTR Chairman Matthew Goodson stated that, “we intend to use the attributes of our sport to reconnect with mainstream NZ. A key priority is to drive a sea change in the fragmented marketing efforts of our industry.”
Alongside this, the funding of racing is closely linked to wagering revenue which provided more than 70% of racing industry funding in 2011. We see a number of opportunities to work more closely with the NZ Racing Board to turn around the trends of recent years.
While describing the plan as a solid platform on which the industry can move forward, NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson says, “this industry has seen business plans come and go. It will require absolute commitment to actually implement the numerous planned initiatives. Progress will be tracked carefully, with clear targets and delivery dates.”
NZTR is presenting the proposed plan to stakeholders at regional forums over the course of the next two weeks and will provide periodic updates as the implementation of the plan proceeds.

For further information contact Matthew Goodson, Chairman, NZTR: matthew.goodson@nzracing.co.nz or 021-529-430

12/12/2011 Zurella (NZ) All Class in G.3 Eulogy

Promising Zabeel filly Zurella (NZ) stamped herself as a leading NZ Derby/Oaks contender at Awapuni on Saturday when winning the fourth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $70,000 Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m).
Trained by Shaune Ritchie, Zurella (NZ) (Zabeel x Doneze Girl) came into the race off back-to-back victories and was well fancied in the market. Slowly away from the gates with jockey Lisa Allpress aboard, the three-year-old raced at the back of the field and after balancing in the straight, put in a big finish to win by half a length.
Zurella's record now stands at three wins from four starts and she looks a classic type holding nominations for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby and NZ Oaks in March next year. Her win gives her six points in NZB's Filly of the Year Series and a share of third place with Anabandana (Anabaa) and Testa Secret (Testa Rossa).
A daughter of Zabeel, Zurella became the champion sire's 138th individual stakes winner. Zabeel also saw another promising daughter, the three-year-old Zonza, put in a solid late run for second in the Listed Mad Butcher Champion Stakes Prelude (2100m) at Ellerslie yesterday.
Zurella was bred by Karreman Bloodstock and is raced by The Oaks Stud. She has a half-sister in the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale, the filly by Sakhee's Secret at Lot 171 from The Oaks Stud.
Second placed Testa Secret (ex Acacian Secret) continues to show her resounding toughness for trainer Kevin Gray. She was caught wide and forced to press to the front at the 800 metres and boxed on when challenged at the 300 metres to finish just half a length from the winner.
It was Testa Secret's third stakes placing this season after running second to Dowager Queen (Savabeel) in the O'Leary's Fillies Stakes and Anabandana in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes, the first leg of NZB's Filly of the Year Series. The daughter of Testa Rossa earned three points in Saturday's race taking her to six points and a share of third place in the Series.
The blue-blooded filly Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile), who ran third in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, raced on the pace and was tough in the concluding stages to hang onto third. Holding a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks, she takes 1.5 points from the race and moves to fourth place with five Series points.

Travino may make Millions history
Saturday, 10 December, 2011

January's $2 million BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic could have its first international runner after Travino notched back to back stakes wins in New Zealand on Saturday.

A precocious juvenile colt by General Nediym, Travino led home his rivals in the listed Wentwood Grange at Te Rapa - a start after winning the listed Murdoch Newell Stakes at Pukekohe.

On Friday trainer Peter McKay lodged a first acceptance for Travino for Queensland's richest race - the be contested at the Gold Coast on January 14.

A day later his young charge was on the track doing what he does best, winning. The success was his third in succession.

McKay purchased Travino for $130,000 from the Brooklyn Lodge draft at January's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and he races the classy youngster with his wife Kim.

Travino would almost certainly now have earned enough prizemoney to make the cut in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and McKay has said he would consider a trip to Australia in the coming weeks.

McKay said he wasn't sure whether Australia and a $2 million lure at the Gold Coast would be his preference over a tilt at New Zealand's feature races for two and three-year-olds.

If Travino stays in New Zealand he could contest the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day or even the Wakefield Stakes at Trentham.

Cambridge based jockey Jason Waddell had Travino travelling well, just off the speed, in the Wentwood Grange Stakes before making his move in the straight.

He shot to the front and then hold out the challenges of rivals, headed by race favourite Oasis Rose - at the post he was still a half length clear of the field.

Travino is the first named foal for Miss Keaton, a lightly raced full sister to three stakes gallopers including Newmarket Handicap and Salinger Stakes winner Rubitano.

Travino is by General Nediym, a Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner, and sire of Classic winners Regimental Gal and Military Rose.

He is one of 35 stakes winners and 463 winners for the former outstanding sprinting son of Nediym - a winner of 13 races, including five at two.
Winner: Travino
Breeding: General Nediym-Miss Keaton (Rubiton)
Sold for: $130,000
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Brooklyn Lodge
Buyer: Peter McKay
Earnings: NZ$64,375
Owner(s): Mr P & Mrs K McKay
Trainer: Peter McKay

Racing at Awapuni this weekend will see the staging of the fourth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $70,000 Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m), and the field is stacked with talented and highly promising fillies.
New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series has seen some exciting contests from the opening three races of the Series with Anabandana cruising to victory in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes, Holy Moly taking the Listed Soliloquy Lodge Stakes, and current Series leader Planet Rock (on 12 points) winning the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas in a great finish. None of these three line up on Saturday giving ample chance for other fillies to advance up the leaderboard.
Saturday's contest will see trainers Graeme & Debbie Rogerson line up three runners including the smart filly Dowager Queen (NZ) (Sabaveel x Dower) in the number one saddle cloth. She comes into the race after a strong spring preparation which saw her win the Listed O'Leary's Fillies Stakes in New Zealand before an Australian campaign that concluded with a brave second in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m). With Darryl Bradley aboard she's a big chance to get her first points in the Series.
From the same yard, Abeautifulred (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty) could not have been more impressive at her last start second to Planet Rock in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She currently holds second place in the Filly of the Year Series with seven points and a win on Saturday - providing six points - would give her the Series lead.
The third of the Rogerson runners is the blueblood filly Joy's Choice (NZ) (Redoute's Choice x Trica Ann), one of two runners in the Cambridge Stud colours. A half-sister to the Group 2 winner La Sizeranne (Stravinsky), she is in good form having won two of her last three starts coming into Saturday's race.

Current Series leader Planet Rock holds off Abeautifulred to win the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas.

Lisa Latta will saddle up Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) who will also carry the Cambridge Stud colours. A grand-daughter of the Group 1 winner Diamond Lover, she comes into the race with three third placings in a row, the last coming in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, giving her 3.5 points in the Series.
With three Series points, the Kevin Gray trained Testa Secret (Testa Rossa x Acacian Secret) has been a model of consistency on the track taking two wins and three placings from her six starts. She ran second to Dowager Queen fresh up this season in the Listed O'Leary's Fillies Stakes before running second to Anabandana in the Group 2 Gold Trail Stakes.
The Jason Bridgman trained Kindred (NZ) (Pins x Kind Return) and Zurella (NZ) (Zabeel x Doneze Girl) from Shaune Ritchie's stable are two fillies that look very much on the up.
Both fillies come into the Group 3 off back-to-back wins, and both had to overcome difficult trips in transit to post their latest victories. With Kindred from the Group 1 placed Zabeel mare Kind Return, and Zurella by Zabeel from the family of champion sire Lonhro (Octagonal), they appear to be two serious prospects.
The sire of 43 stakes winners, Pins will also be represented by the Anne Herbert trained Trendy (NZ) (ex Trujillo) who has won two of her five starts. She comes into the race after running a good fourth at Ellerslie late last month.
Wellfield Lodge's sire Handsome Ransom also has two runners, with the lightly raced Unbelieveabelle (NZ) (ex Shona Indre) lining up for trainer Stephen Crutchley. She comes into the race with two wins from seven starts and a fifth at her last outing, the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas.
A last start winner for trainer Fraser Auret, Jungle Pago (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Climb the Vine) has only had two starts and won her last race at Masterton after running third on debut.
The Howie Mathews trained Prepared (NZ) (Perfectly Ready x Suivez Moi) and Reasons Unknown (NZ) (Shinko King x Slice) from Mark Oulaghan's stables come into the Group 3 after last start placings.
Reasons Unknown won her debut three starts ago and put in a big finish last start after a tough trip, and Prepared, despite being a maiden, boasts five placings from six starts and has never finished worse than fourth.
The winner of the $70,000 Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m) will take 6 points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, with second place taking 3 points and third 1.5 points.

The Stephen McKee trained Mufhasa (NZ) was back to his winning best on Saturday when starting at hot favourite in the Group 1 Westbury Stud Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.
The Group 1 feature saw Mufhasa (Pentire x Sheila Cheval) ridden confidently by jockey Sam Spratt with the pair jumping brilliantly from barrier two to take the lead early in the running, before taking a sit behind Bragato (Brilliance) in transit.
At the 600 metre mark Mufhasa was cruising and took the lead at the point of the turn. Never really looking in any danger, the seven-year-old was all class as he strode out powerfully in the final stages to win by a memorable one-and-a-quarter-lengths.
Mufhasa's victory was the 17th of his remarkable career, eight of these coming at Group 1 level. With five of his Group 1 wins coming at weight-for-age, the race was also his fifth victory over the mile.
The son of Pentire has been in outstanding form this season with his five starts bringing three wins and two seconds. Fresh-up he was simply too sharp in the Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hawke's Bay beating Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park).
The Group 1 Windsor Park Plate saw the tables turned with Mufhasa running a brave second to Jimmy Choux. However, it was his next start in Australia that saw the seven-year-old stamp himself as a leading sprinter-miler in Australasia when winning the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.

Mufhasa (NZ) holds on to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap earlier this season.

His trainer Stephen McKee has set a goal for the seven-year-old to win ten Group 1 races and connections will now have to decide whether he lines up in the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap in late January.
Mufhasa has won the Telegraph Handicap on two occasions in 2009 with 55.5 kilograms and earlier this year carrying 56.5 kilograms, and connections are keen to give the son of Pentire a break while deciding his next race.
"I said to the owner of the horse after he had won the Toorak Handicap that I would like to have him win 10 Group 1 races. This is the eighth and if he misses the Telegraph I will keep him at weight-for-age to achieve that desire," said McKee.
A graduate of New Zealand Bloodstock's 2006 Karaka Select Sale, Mufhasa was bought by David Archer from Rich Hill Stud for $50,000. Bred by Colin and John Thompson, the son of Pentire has now won over $2.7 million.
Running second in the race was the 2010 Telegraph Handicap winner Vonusti (NZ) (Ustinov) for jockey Noel Harris. After jumping awkwardly, the seven-year-old recovered and fought on well after being blocked for a run in the straight. A graduate of New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale, he gave NZB the quinella in the Group 1 feature.
Third in the race was the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes winner, the lightly raced Dating (O'Reilly). She has a half-brother in the 2012 Karaka Select Sale, the colt by Towkay from Seaton Park at Lot 884.

5/12/2011 Durham Town (NZ) a Star in the Making

The talented sprinter Durham Town (NZ) has confirmed his status as a star in the making after producing a brilliant performance to win Saturday's Group 2 The Aussie Butcher Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie.
Trained by Donna & Dean Logan and ridden by jockey Jason Collett in the Group 2 sprint, Durham Town (Falkirk x Durham Walk) took the lead in the race despite pre-race plans to tuck in behind the leaders.
After traveling well in transit, Collet kept the four-year-old honest in the straight and, without serious urging, held on to record a classy half-length win from fellow New Zealand Bloodstock graduates Upsala (Oratorio) and Rough Odds (Stravinsky), giving NZB the race trifecta.
A horse that has only raced on seven occasions, Durham Town's impressive performance was matched in the race sectionals, running the last 600 metres in a hot 33.83 seconds.

Windsor Park Stud's young sire Falkirk

The winner of five of his seven starts, Durham Town broke his maiden at Ellerslie in his second start and has recorded all five of his race victories on the Ellerslie track. The son of Falkirk will have a chance to improve on that impressive record as he holds a nomination for the Group 1 Blandford Lodge Railway Stakes (1200m) on New Year's day.
He also holds a nomination for another of New Zealand's premier sprints, the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap in late January where he could face eight-time Group 1 winner Mufhasa.
By Windsor Park Stud's young sire Falkirk, Durham Town is the first stakes winner for the internationally performed sprinter. With 33 winners on the track in five countries thus far, Falkirk has a winners to runners ratio of over 80% in Australia, headlined by the unbeaten mare Aqualin.
Bred by Peter and Debbie Seebeck, Durham Town is raced by his trainers in conjunction with Jim Gibbs, Paul Collins, David Wale and ex All Black coach John Hart.

28/11/2011 Cassini Takes Wanganui Feature The Mark Oulaghan trained Cassini showed a massive turnaround in form on Saturday when winning the Listed Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge Wanganui Cup (2040m). Ridden by Lisa Allpress, Cassini (Reset x Mathematical) enjoyed an economical trip three back on the rail and was pushed by Allpress to contest the lead at the 250 metre mark, and in a blanket finish held off a wall of horses to win by half a length. Cassini had finished no better than twelfth in her previous two starts, the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders' Stakes and Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile, but her winning price of $6.50 showed that she was firmly on the punters radar and she clearly enjoyed the step up in distance to the 2040 metres. Cassini capped off a good weekend for sire sons of Zabeel, being by the Group 1 winner Reset. Stakes placed as a three-year-old in the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes and the Group 2 City of Auckland Cup last season, the win was her first at black-type level and she is the 15th stakes winner for her sire. Reset was in the top ten sires in Australia last season for stakes winners with nine and is having a strong spring with his daughter Pinker Pinker winning the Group 1 Cox Plate. Bred by Doug Dean, Cassini was purchased by Gail Drought from Lyndhurst Farm at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2007 Karaka Premier Sale for $120,000. Now a winner of four of her 36 starts, Cassini has earned over $155,000 in stakes.   21/11/2011 Undisclosed Stakes Winner Matamata trainer Peter McKay had a successful day at the Counties Cup meeting at Pukekohe on Saturday with his Karaka graduate Undisclosed (NZ) completing a black type double for him in the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m). Only lightly raced coming into the Listed event, Undisclosed (NZ) (Pins x Dare to Win) was ridden by jockey Danielle Johnson and, in a hard fought race, made his way to the front at the 200 metre mark and held on in the final stages to win by a head. The win was the four-year-old's second at stakes level after claiming the Listed Canterbury Stakes (1600m) in October last season.   Waikato Stud's sire Pins Now a winner of four of his raceday appearances, Undisclosed continues the remarkable success seen from the cross with his sire Pins and damsire Centaine. A cross that boasts a winners to runners ratio of 74%, it has produced 12 stakes winners including the Group 1 NZ Oaks and Kelt Capital Stakes winner Legs, Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Econsul and Group winners Somepin Anypin, Crepe de Chine and Pins 'n' Needles. With 99 runners on the track thus far, the cross boasts a stakes winners to runners ratio of 12%. Bred by Trevor Luke & Ms L Williams and raced by Trevor in partnership with Peter and Kim McKay, Undisclosed was purchased by Montego Lodge Partnership from Shelby Park at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2009 Karaka Premier Sale for $100,000. Standing at Waikato Stud, Pins sired the second highest priced lot at the NZB Ready to Run Sale last week, the colt from the Group 2 winning Zabeel mare Laebeel, the dam of the Group 3 winner Larry's Never Late (Pentire) and stakes winner Collar (O'Reilly), bought for $390,000.

14/11/2011 Planet Rocks G1 Guineas

New Zealand Bloodstock's 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales are heating up with a half-brother to the Karaka graduate Planet Rock - the winner of yesterday's $300,000 Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m) - set to be offered.
The Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas lived up to the bill yesterday with an epic contest down the Riccarton straight, with Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) showing just how tough she is, racing on the pace three and four wide with no cover.
Trained by Peter and Dawn Williams and ridden by Hayden Tinsley, the daughter of Fastnet Rock came wide into the straight and went after the leader, the Graeme & Debbie Rogerson trained Karaka graduate, Abeautifulred (NZ) (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty). In a hammer and tong battle down the straight, it was Planet Rock who emerged victorious, taking the race by a long head.
The result was significant for a number of reasons. It was an emotional victory for Peter and Dawn Williams who have trained in Canterbury for 37 years since it was their first Group 1 victory on their home track at Riccarton, and even more poignant since the pair are set to relocate to Auckland in less than a fortnight.
For her sire, Coolmore's Fastnet Rock, Planet Rock is his fourth individual Group 1 winner this season. The win also gave the sire the NZ 1000 and 2000 Guineas double with the $1 million NZB graduate Pop 'n' Rock winning the Group 1 2000 Guineas last weekend.
It was also a big result for Wellfield Lodge's principal Bill Gleeson who bred both Planet Rock and the runner up Abeautifulred, whose sire Handsome Ransom stands at the stud.
"It was a great result," said Gleeson. "Planet Rock is a big, powerful filly, she stands at close to 16.2 hands, and she ran very well. She is from a Zabeel mare and looks to be a staying type so to see her win like that yesterday is very promising.
"She will come back to Wellfield for a small break and then she will be aimed at the NZB Filly of the Year races over Christmas and the New Year. She is bred to run 3200 metres so the step up in distance shouldn't worry her.
"She has a half-brother in the 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales by Alamosa and he is an outstanding individual. Abeautifulred also has a half-brother by Alamosa in the Karaka Yearling Sales and he too ticks all the boxes and is a lovely colt.
"Planet Rock's dam Akris is in foal to Alamosa and is due to foal in a few weeks. The mare was actually stuck in Australia when we sent her to Fastnet Rock due to EI which meant she had to foal down there which wasn't the plan. We didn't get the mare and Planet Rock back to the farm until after she was born.
"We are going to wait and see how Akris foals down before we make any decisions as to whether we cover her again this season."
With the 1000 Guineas also the third leg of the 10-race New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, Saturday's win gives Planet Rock 12 points and the early lead. The last four winners of the 1000 Guineas have all gone on to take the final crown so Planet Rock has put herself firmly in contention.
Planet Rock is the 16th individual Group 1 winner for her damsire, the incomparable Zabeel. The damsire of 86 individual stakes winners, the elite list includes Darci Brahma, Faint Perfume, Samantha Miss, and Anacheeva.
Planet Rock is also the third stakes winner from the Fastnet Rock/Zabeel cross. With 13 runners, the cross has also produced the outstanding Group 1 winner Atlantic Jewel, the Group 2 winner Curved Belle, and the stakes placed Teardrop Rock and Rockadubai.
Bred by Bill Gleeson, Planet Rock was purchased by Ger Beemsterboer from Wellfield Lodge for $290,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Premier Sale. She has now won three of her seven starts and over $275,000 in stakes.
Fastnet Rock has three BOBS eligible two-year-olds set to go through the ring at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale next week:

With just two starts coming into the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, Abeautifulred showed that she is a tough filly and looks to have a bright future in front of her. She takes second place in the Filly of the Year Series with seven points.
Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) capped of a successful Christchurch carnival for her trainer Lisa Latta who won the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile with the Karaka graduate Platinum Princess earlier in the week. Capital Diamond earned 3.5 points in the Filly of the Year Series, putting her in fifth position.

14/11/2011 Blood Brotha Takes the NZ Cup

It has proven a case of second time lucky for the Raymond Connors trained Blood Brotha (NZ) who was too good for the field in the $225,000 Group 3 Christchurch Casino 148th New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Blood Brotha (Danzighill x Laura Dee) ran sixth in the race last year and came into the New Zealand Cup off a good fourth in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy at Riccarton at his last start.
Ridden by James McDonald in Saturday's Group 3, the six-year-old was ridden patiently in the early stages before improving his position to trail the leaders at the 600 metre mark. Blood Brotha was in a line of four horses at the 300 metre marker but took the advantage 100 metres from home to win by a quarter-of-a-length.
Now a winner of six of his 29 career starts, the Group 3 win was Blood Brotha's first at stakes level after running second in the New Zealand St Leger (2500m) in March last year.
Bred by Brian, Hector, Mrs L E & Mrs P A Anderton, Blood Brotha is raced by Raymond and Mark Connors and was offered by White Robe Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's South Island Sale of Two-Year-Olds. He has now won over $234,000 in stakes.
Fellow Karaka graduate The Jungle Boy (NZ) (Jungle Pocket) ran a solid race to take second after leading earlier in the straight to give NZB the race quinella. Trained by Shaun Clotworthy, it was the six-year-old's first start over 3200 metres.

Last year's Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas winner King's Rose takes the Group 2 NZB Memsie Stakes this season.

A $200,000 Karaka graduate, Holy Moly is currently the highest rated filly on the Order of Entry for the Karaka Sale incentive race for three-year-olds - the $100,000 Res.L Karaka 3YO Mile in January.
The lightly raced NZB graduate Full of Spirit (Flying Spur x Imposingly) is the other runner for Roger James. She comes into the race after winning her debut impressively in September and produced a late finish to take fourth at her last start at Ellerslie from her only two raceday appearances.
One of two stakes winners for her sire Darci Brahma, Artistic (ex Artless) flew home in the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie two starts ago for her trainer Shaune Ritchie. She finished only two-and-three-quarter-lengths away fourth in the Group 3 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at her last appearance and is right in this. She also has the advantage of having proven her merit on a slow track which headliner Anabandana is yet to do.
The Peter & Dawn Williams trained Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) is more than capable of winning the Guineas double for her sire Fastnet Rock. She ran a solid third in the Karaka Million last season and won well two starts ago in the Guineas Trial (1400m). The Karaka graduate seemed to be left wanting on the heavy ground at Trentham at her last start but battled on well for third. She will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley.
A winner of the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes fresh up in September, the John Sargent trained Kasumi (Shinko King x Mistaurian) also won the Listed Champagne Stakes last season, beating Duckworth Lewis who won the Group 3 Sparkling Stakes at Ellerslie last week. She was unplaced in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) at her last start but is a very capable filly who has won twice from her four starts.
Trainer Jason Bridgman has two Karaka graduates in the race and will be looking to capture the 1000 and 2000 Guineas double after Rock 'n' Pop's performance last Saturday. He will saddle Kindred (Pins x Kind Return) who comes into the race off back-to-back victories, her last coming in a rating 75 1200 metre contest at Motukarara late last month.
The Te Akau trainer will also have the lightly tried Viana (Volksraad x Hecuba) in the race. She enters the Group 1 as a maiden but has been competitive in her three races to date and fought on well to take third over 1400 metres at Riccarton at her last start.
Group 2 placed in the Matamata Breeders Stakes at two, the Murray Baker trained Karaka graduate Beejay Belle (Perfectly Ready x Guinness) has raced competitively this season in some tough company and had her first run at Riccarton last start finishing fourth over the Mile.
Dual winner Unbelieveabelle (Handsome Ransom x Shona Indre) from Stephen Crutchley's yard also had her first start on the Riccarton track in her last appearance, finishing fourth over 1400 metres, and Saturday's contest will be a step up in class for the filly.
In-form trainer Lisa Latta won the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile yesterday with Platinum Princess and will have Capital Diamond (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) in the race. She comes into the Group 1 after a tough third on heavy ground at Foxton.
An impressive last start winner, the NZB graduate Abeautifulred (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty) is trained by Graeme & Debbie Rogerson and was all class over the 1400 metres at just her second start, leading all the way to win by two-and-a-half-lengths at Te Teko.
The Shaun Clotworthy trained Zah Girl (Keeper x Satin Pillows) and Pasha Sumore (Untouchable x Xeraphin) for Stephen Dravitzki, both Karaka graduates, come into the race off the back of winning performances, both over 1400 metres. Zah Girl raced at Riccarton two starts back where she was unplaced in the Listed Canterbury Stakes (1600m).
Asavant (Zabeel x Pins 'n' Needles) has only had two starts for John & Karen Parsons and ran a good second at her last start to Zah Girl in a 1400 metre maiden. The Richard Otto trained Capricious (Spartacus x Miss Jean Brodie) is also a maiden and comes into the field after a good second over 1400 metres at Te Awamutu late last month.
The New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas has been won by the likes of King's Rose (Redoute's Choice) who was Group 1 placed in the $1 million Emirates Stakes in Melbourne last weekend, Katie Lee (Pins), AJC Oaks winner Daffodil (No Excuse Needed), Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago) and many other highly talented fillies.
The winner of Saturday's Group 1 $300,000 Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 39th 1000 Guineas (1600m) will take the lead in NZB's Filly of the Year Series with 12 points on offer for first place, with second earning seven points and third 3.5 points. The race will be held at 3.16pm NZ time.

Palmerston North trainer Lisa Latta has taken another spring feature with her charge Platinum Princess proving too tough for the field in the Group 2 $230,000 Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton yesterday.
A winner at her last start in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile Trial (1600m) in late October, Platinum Princess (NZ)(Keeper x Merle Park) was ridden confidently by jockey Kelly Myers in yesterday's feature race. Myers kept Platinum Princess hard up against the rail in the straight and managed to hold off fellow Karaka graduate Twilight Savings to win by half-a-length for owners Lincoln Farms and Neville McAlister.
Lisa Latta and John Street's Lincoln Farms are having a gun year, highlighted by their win in the $1 million Karaka Million with Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward) in January.
The pair's success has continued into the spring with the three-year-old President Lincoln (O'Reilly) winning the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Wellington Guineas.
"Lincoln Farms and I have had a very good run," commented Latta. "Platinum Princess won very well in her last start and I was confident that she would be hard to beat in the race. Her best distance is the mile so we are looking to take her to the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes ."
"We have Fort Lincoln lining up for us today and all going well he will join President Lincoln in the Group 1 Levin Classic on November 25."
Latta will be represented by the lightly raced winner Capital Diamond (Lucky Unicorn) in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas this weekend.

The Cambridge Stud based sire Keeper has 11 entries in next week's Karaka Ready to Run Sale

"She is a nice filly with a good temperament. I am very happy with the way she has been progressing and she has a good deal of ability," said Latta.
Yesterday's Group 2 win was the second victory at black-type level for five-year-old Platinum Princess who won the Listed Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes over a mile last season.
Her Cambridge Stud based sire Keeper is the sire of six Group 1 winners including last season's Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner Midnight Oil.
Keeper has 11 entries in the next week's Karaka Ready to Run Sale including:

Bred by Karreman Bloodstock, Platinum Princess was purchased by Lisa Latta from The Oaks Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Karaka Select Sale for $115,000. She has now won six of her 30 starts and over $260,000 in stakes.
The New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale takes place at Karaka on Tuesday & Wednesday next week (15 & 16 November). Breeze Up DVDs are available from reception@nzb.co.nz or by calling +64 9 298 0055. DVDs are available in TV and PC format so please include the format you wish to receive with your request.

7/11/2011 So Elusive in Pegasus Stakes

The Michael Pitman trained So Elusive proved exactly that on Saturday when heading a NZB trifecta in the Listed Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Drawing barrier two, So Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City x J'Lo) jumped well and was able to take a sit in fourth place on the fence for the running. Ridden by jockey Lisa Allpress, the five-year-old mare was brought across heals at the 300 metre mark and quickened nicely to race clear of her rivals, being eased down at the line to win by two-lengths.
It was the first stakes victory for the daughter of Elusive City who came into the race in good form after winning a rating 85 1200 metre sprint at Motukarara at her last start six days prior.

So Elusive's sire Elusive City has Lot 205 in the Ready to Run Sale (pictured above), the half-brother to the Group 1 winner Allez Wonder.

Bred by Jen Campin, So Elusive was purchased by her trainer Michael Pitman from Chequers Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's Carnival Yearling Sale for $5,000. Raced by New Zealand Bloodstock's Insurance Manager Jim Bruford in partnership with Jim Piper, the mare has now won five of her 17 starts for stakes in excess of $89,000.
Running second in the Listed event was Golden Globe (NZ) (Gold Mine x Marita) who put in a solid performance after becoming fractious in the barriers and was vetted before the race. Mi Payday (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit x Pay Roll) ran on well for third place after getting a nice trail in transit and gave NZB the trifecta in the stakes race.
So Elusive is the 14th stakes winner for her sire Elusive City who stood at Haunui Farm during his time in New Zealand. The sire of the Group 1 winner Elusive Wave, Elusive City saw his Group 3 winning son Ahdashim take the Turner Freedman Handicap fresh up last weekend at Rosehill.
He is also the sire of the lightly raced three-year-old Adamantium who topped the 2010 Karaka Select Sale when purchased by O'Brien Thoroughbreds for $250,000 and won over 1200 metres on Caulfield Guineas day. Elusive City has nine two-year-olds in the Ready to Run Sale including the half-brother to the Group 1 winner Allez Wonder (Redoute's Choice) at Lot 205 from Mana Park.

A $1 million yearling, Rock 'n' Pop pictured as a yearling in New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka sales ring.

Silver City as a yearling