Silver City Opens Karaka Million Account

The race for the 2012 Karaka Million has begun with Silver City winning the second two-year-old race of the season on Saturday, the $11,000 Cowleys Party Hire 880 at Ruakaka.

Trained by Stephen McKee, Silver City (Nothing To Lose x She's Just Dreamy) came into the race with no trial form but was too good for the field, winning his debut by a head with Sam Spratt aboard.

The win has given the grey son of Nothing To Lose $6,875 in stakes which gives him in the early lead in the Karaka Million Order of Entry. Running into third position was the Kenny and Lisa Rae trained Fintorro (Oratorio x Fine Silk Lady) who earned $1,100, with fifth placed Red Leader (NZ) (Red Clubs x Al Samoud) earning $275.

Bred by B S Russell, Silver City was purchased by his trainer Stephen McKee from Bluegables Farm at the 2011 Karaka Festival Sale for $58,000.

New Zealand's richest race, the Karaka Million will be held at the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting at Ellerslie racecourse on Sunday 29 January 2012, the eve of the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. The race is run over 1200 metres and carries Restricted Listed Status. The final 14-horse field will be determined according to prizemoney won by eligible graduates who have nominated for the race. The up-to-date Order of Entry can be followed on the NZB website.

The Karaka 3YO Mile, which has been awarded black-type for the first time this season, will also be held at the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting. The field will be determined according to domestic ratings.

For more information on the Karaka Million and Karaka 3YO Mile including a list of eligible horses and the current Order of Entry for each race, click here.