Karaka Million 2YO Field Set To Sizzle

Dubbed the richest 70 seconds in New Zealand sport, Saturday's fourteenth running of the NZ$1 million Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie Racecourse is starting to take shape with the barrier draw conducted at the Karaka Sales Centre. For many connections it's the chance for an early windfall just one year after purchasing at the Karaka Sale. Beyond the NZ$550,000 first prize, it's also an opportunity to catapult into future Gr1 calculations and follow in the footsteps of fellow graduates such as The Heckler, Ruud Awakening, Vespa, Melody Belle, Avantage, Probabeel and Cool Aza Beel. Particularly optimistic will be leading trainer Jamie Richards, who helms the powerful Te Akau Racing operation and will be striving for five Karaka 2YO Millions on the bounce. And his optimism seems well grounded with pre-post picks On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) and Millefiori (Iffraaj) giving him a two-pronged attack. From a price perspective, Karaka 2020 graduates lining up the feature event range from purchase prices from as low as NZ$9,000 (Cherokee Warrior) to the NZ$280,000 handed over for undefeated Lonhro colt Western Springs.