Last Chance to Make the Karaka Million Field

The Karaka Million starting spots are coming down to the wire, with New Zealand’s richest race just nine days away (Sunday 26 January) and only a few chances left for two-year-olds to collect valuable prize money to secure themselves a start. 

The field will be taking shape by the close of play this weekend, with all eyes on the three two-year-old races in three locations this Saturday.

The $100,000 Group 2 Nadeem Wakefield Challenge Stakes has the ability to catapult runners into the Karaka Million field, and will have two that are looking to qualify for the $1m showpiece. Al Pacino (NZ) (Alamosa), currently in 22^nd position on the Order of Entry, only needs to run in the first five to lift him into the Karaka Million field and give trainer Peter McKay his chance to capture his second victory in the million dollar feature.

Passing Shot (NZ) (Swiss Ace), in 37^th place, will need to run in the first three to qualify for the field for Stephen McKee and the Go Racing Syndicate of last year’s winning fame.

The South Island has a chance to be represented in the Karaka Million if So Vital (NZ) (Pentire) was to be successful in the $15,000 2YO handicap at Gore tomorrow. The Michael Pitman trained filly already has $2,500 in prizemoney from her debut second placing and tomorrow’s winning stake of $9,375 will be enough to catapult the daughter of Pentire into the top 14.

Four runners in the Maiden 2YO at Pukekohe on Saturday are eligible for the Karaka Million – Buffalo Boy (NZ) (Buffalo Man), Flying Siege (NZ) (Flying Spur), Stratocaster (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) & Amber Rayne (NZ) (Tavistock) - but, even with a win, all four will be relying on a number of scratchings to make the final field.

For the Order of Entry and other qualifying information visit www.nzb.co.nz. For tickets to the 2014 Karaka Million Twilight Meeting visit www.ellerslie.co.nz.