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.

The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be held at Ellerslie Racecourse this Sunday 29 January from 5pm. For tickets visit www.ellerslie.co.nz.