Half to Pussy Willow (NZ) at Karaka 2012
23 January 2012
With six Karaka Million eligible two-year-olds targeting the riches of Saturday's $85,000 Group 2 Little Avondale Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes, many hopes were dashed as Pussy Willow (NZ) snatched victory in one of the eye-catching performances of the day.
Ineligible for the Karaka Million, Pussy Willow (NZ) (O'Reilly x Octapussy) raced at the back of the field for the trip and was dead last at the point of the turn after getting lost on the junction, and even 300 metres from home she looked in trouble as jockey Sam Spratt brought her to the middle of the track.
With the battle for first place looking to come from the leading pack, Pussy Willow swamped the field with a dazzling turn of foot, making up many lengths in the final 200 metres to beat Hazel (Handsome Ransom) by half a length.
Trained by Stephen McKee, Pussy Willow won her debut by two lengths at her last start, and backed up with an exceptional performance in the Group 2, with McKee declaring after the race that "she's absolutely top class."
Bred and raced by Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan and Peter Walker, Cambridge Stud will offer a half-brother to Pussy Willow by Pentire in the Premier Sale at Lot 354.
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Trelawney Stud's O'Reilly colt at Lot 394, the half-brother to VRC Derby winner Amalfi |
- Lot 394, the half-brother to the Group 1 VRC Derby winner Amalfi (Carnegie).
- Lot 514, the brother to stakes winner Salsa and half-brother to stakes winners Somepin Anypin (Pins) and Rule of Engagement (Danasinga).
Last start winner Hogwarts Express (NZ) (Elusive City x Night Dancer) put in a brave performance, racing on the pace and sticking to the rail in the straight to hang on for third place for trainer Stephen Marsh. The result was significant for connections as the Karaka Million eligible filly picked up $8,000 in stakes, taking her prize money to $13,075 and eighth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
With a maximum field of 14 runners, Hogwarts Express has earned a coveted start in the Karaka Million - New Zealand's richest race - should connections decide to enter her.
The race also saw the Karaka Million eligible Deakes (Shaft x Long Walk) pick up $1,000 in stakes, taking his earnings to $8,450. Trained by John Sargent, he has moved to 15th place on the Order of Entry, and with some of the horses above unlikely to nominate for the big race, Saturday's Group 2 earnings look to have been enough to see him make the field.
There are no more two-year-old races left before nominations for the $1 million Karaka Million (1200m) (Res.L) close tomorrow, Tuesday 24 January at midday. To view the Karaka Million Order of Entry, click here.
The barrier draw for the Karaka Million and Karaka 3YO Mile will be announced live on Radio Trackside by Peter Earley and Butch Castles at 12.10pm on Wednesday 25 January.
The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be held at Ellerslie Racecourse this Sunday from 5pm. For tickets please visit www.ellerslie.co.nz.