The Race to the Karaka Million is on

A number of talented two-year-olds have already left the starting blocks in their race for a shot at New Zealand’s richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million at Ellerslie Racecourse on January 29.

This will be the 10th edition of the lucrative dash for cash on the eve of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales Series. The order of entry is determined by prize-money earnings.

The current leader in 2016-17 is the Shaune Ritchie-trained Global Thinking (So You Think), who earned $12,500 for her stylish debut win at Ruakaka on September 10.

“She’s not big at all, but she’s beautifully in proportion, not unlike her sire,” Ritchie said. “It’s a bit surprising to see her doing this so early in her two-year-old season, but we’re in the Karaka Million now and we can sit back and enjoy that thrill.

“There’s still a long way to go and she needs to be going well enough to warrant a place – if you’re not in form in December there’s not much point. But we’re in a good position now and we can work our way backwards from the Million.”

Global Thinking was purchased by part-owners KRD Racing for $40,000 from the draft of Phoenix Park at the 2016 Premier Sale.

Currently in second place with A$10,800 is Unlikely Story (NZ) (Star Witness), who is trained in Brisbane by Tony Gollan and ran second on debut at Doomben.

View the full 2017 Karaka Million Order of Entry here.