Sarge Leads Aussie Charge

Karaka Million challenger Sarge in Charge arrived safely in New Zealand on Saturday and is now set for this Sunday's million dollar feature after a strong gallop at Ellerslie this morning.

Sarge in Charge under the watchful eye of trainer Liam Birchley, rider Allan Russel, and strapper Brad Herne. photo: Haylie Martin

Trainer Liam Birchley opted to work Sarge in Charge (Golan - Dainty, by Fairy King) alone over 1000m on the Ellerslie course proper with the rail out 3.5 metres, the position it will assume for the Karaka Million twilight race evening this Sunday. The colt handled his new surroundings extremely well, strolling around the birdcage in his very relaxed manner for strapper Brad Herne, before Birchley's number one gallop rider Allan Russell jumped aboard.

Galloping hard against the rail over the 1000m, the colt powered straight to the line, not using the Ellerslie grandstand or surrounding activity as any excuse to lose focus.

The Windsor Park bred colt pleased his trainer Liam Birchley and track-rider Allan Russell, who both return to Australia today before Birchley returns to New Zealand on Friday.

Sarge in Charge on the Ellerslie track for the first time. photo: Haylie Martin

"I am very happy with that, it was a great opportunity for us to get a feel for the track, and the fact that he worked so well and nothing bothered him was extra pleasing," Birchley commented.

Part-owner Mark Mclean confirms that a group of 18 will also be arriving in Auckland this week to support their horse's New Zealand campaign.

Sarge in Charge will now have one more serious hit out between now and the $1,000,000 event on 25 January.

Fellow Australian competitor Optimizing (Exceed and Excel - Joan's Best, by Gold Brose) also arrived safely into New Zealand yesterday. Her trainer and part-owner David Hayes has booked top New Zealand jockey Leith Innes for the ride.

Both Optimizing and Sarge in Charge were purchased at the Karaka 2008 Yearling Sale. Optimizing was a $90,000 Premier Sale purchase by Mark Pilkington from Westbury Stud and Sarge in Charge was purchased from Windsor Park Stud at the Select Sale by Aquanita Racing for $110,000.

All eyes now turn to final nominations for New Zealand's richest two-year-old event, which closed today at noon.

The National Yearling Sales Series will be conducted at Karaka from 11am on 26 January. For online catalogue, latest withdrawals and pedigree updates, visithttp://www.nzb.co.nz/. For further information contact reception@nzb.co.nz.

For assistance with your trip to New Zealand please contact Hospitality Coordinator Victoria Vela at victoria.vela@nzb.co.nz or phone +64 9 298 0055.