Lochan Ora (NZ) an Astute Buy at Karaka

With six wins from his last seven starts, Lochan Ora (NZ) (Towkay) is an emerging star of South Island racing. He is also a great example of the bargain purchases that are available at Karaka.

Bred by Barlow Thoroughbred Ltd, Lochan Ora first went through the Karaka sale ring as a weanling at the 2012 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale. He was sold to Ms NL Reeder and Mr S Vaega for $500.

The following year he was offered by Ellendene Farms at the Festival Sale, where Riverton owner-trainer Kelvin Tyler secured him for $9,000.

The gelding has now had six wins from 16 starts and earned more than $57,000 in stakes. His most recent win came in Saturday’s $30,000 Greenwood Amberley Cup (1600m) at Riccarton, which earned him a shot at the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) at the same course in early August. Tyler won last year’s Winter Cup with the $3,000 Festival Sale purchase Timy Tyler (NZ) (No Excuse Needed).

“I’m getting excited about this horse, he just keeps stepping up,” Tyler said after Lochan Ora’s latest win.

“He’s really grown another leg in the last two or three months – maturity has done wonders for him and he’s getting better and better.”