Talaria (NZ) Bursts into Karaka Million Contention

Speedy O’Reilly filly Talaria (NZ) scored a winning debut in Saturday’s $50,000 Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe, soaring into second place in the Order of Entry for the 2017 Karaka Million.

Talaria’s all-the-way win earned her $31,250 in prize-money, which is currently only bettered by the unbeaten Listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m) winner Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power) with $34,375.

The Murdoch Newell Stakes placegetters are also eligible for the Karaka Million.

Runner-up Oscar Eight (NZ) (Showcasing) sat in ninth place prior to Saturday’s race, with $3,900 in prize-money courtesy of a debut second placing at Ellerslie. After filling the same placing in Saturday’s Listed feature he has now earned $13,900 and sits in fourth place.

Gilhoolie (NZ) (Guillotine), who beat Oscar Eight in that Ellerslie race, remains slightly ahead of him on the table with $14,250.

Murdoch Newell Stakes third placegetter Nothin’ On Me (NZ) (Not A Single Doubt) was also on debut. She earned $5,000 and is now eighth in the Order of Entry.

There is the potential for significant movement on the leaderboard when the $100,000 Group 2 Wellington Seamarket Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) is held at Trentham on December 3.