Freedman Chasing Second Karaka Million Win

New Zealand Bloodstock’s $1 million Karaka Million (Res.L) (1200m) – New Zealand’s richest race – has its first international entry looking to make the trip across the Tasman with Minaj (NZ) winning her debut in Australia yesterday.

A two-year-old filly by Commands, Minaj (ex Ms Seneca Rock) is trained by Anthony Freedman who trained the 2012 Karaka Million winner Ockham’s Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion).

Freedman trained last year’s Karaka Million winner Ockham’s Razor (NZ)

Minaj showed that she has plenty of ability with a smart debut performance at Mornington, taking the lead in the small field and holding her rivals with ease in the straight, cruising to an easy 2.5 length victory.

Freedman outlined that there is a strong possibility that Minaj will follow the same program as Ockham's Razor last year, having one more start in Australia before looking to come to New Zealand for the $1 million race.

Minaj’s debut win has given her A$10,500 in stakes – taking her to seventh place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. From 1 January 2013, all Australian prize money will be converted to New Zealand dollars at the rate determined by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing on 1 January 2013.

Bred by Miss C, D & L Hawkins & Llanhennock Trust, Minaj was purchased by Peter Carrick’s Lakeview Resources Pty Ltd from Wentwood Grange at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale for $130,000.

She is the second two-year-old by Commands to make an impression on the Karaka Million Order of Entry in the last five days with the Jason Bridgman trained Catalonia (NZ) winning the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes on Saturday at Te Rapa.

The Karaka Million Order of Entry will see plenty of activity over the Christmas and New Year period with five two-year-old races – including the $70,000 Group 3 Eclipse Stakes – so keep an eye on the Order of Entry here.