Karaka Million Draws Decided

The live draws for the $1m Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m) were held on Wednesday morning at the New Zealand Bloodstock Sales Complex, Karaka.

The two iconic events take place during a six-race twilight programme on Saturday at Ellerslie (4.30 p.m. - 7.42 p.m.), with the Karaka Million at 6.30 p.m. and 3YO Classic last to go at 7.42 p.m. The meeting precedes the start of the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales Series at Karaka, which begins on Sunday 26 January and runs until Friday 31 January. 

Seeking a four-peat in the Karaka Million, after current Horse of the Year Melody Belle (Commands) won in 2017, Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in 2018 - both named Champion Two-Year-Old - and Probabeel (Savabeel) last year, with all three ridden by Opie Bosson, Te Akau is represented by Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel) and Bordeaux Le Rouge (Burgundy).

For the first time, connections were able to select their draw after the horse names were picked from a barrel. The same process is used for draws in the Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m). 

In order of entry, where horses become eligible when registered after being purchased at Karaka, and then have to earn enough prize money, Cool Aza Beel, to be ridden by Bosson, drew barrier two, and Bordeaux Le Rouge barrier six with Craig Grylls aboard. 

After selecting barrier six, Bordeaux Le Rouge part-owner Dennis Vazey said: “It's a dream come true. It's ridiculous that we saw an ad in the Sunday Star Times and paid $2,500 and we're standing here. It's a definite dream come true.”

Prior to the Karaka Million draw, Play That Song (Showcasing) held favouritism ($2.60) in betting, while Cool Aza Beel was $4.60 and Bordeaux Le Rouge at $41.00. 

After winning the first two-year-old race of the season, over 800 metres in September at Wanganui, Cool Aza Beel freshened after an unlucky fourth in the Fasttrack Insurance 5K Bonus 2YO Stakes (Listed, 1100m) on 23 November at Pukekohe, and made the field following an impressive win in the 2YO 1200 metres last Friday at Tauranga.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $150,000 at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Fairdale Stud, Cool Aza Beel is owned by the Te Akau Sassy Beel Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Stable-mate Bordeaux Le Rouge was backed as nearly unbeatable ($1.30) when winning the Maiden 2YO 1100 metres on 30 November at Ellerslie, and finished fourth there on 12 January over 1200 metres. He was exceptional buying when purchased by David Ellis for $20,000 at the NZB 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the Phoenix Park draft, for owners in the Te Akau Fine Red Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Cool Aza Beel warrants his strong support. He ran the fastest last 600m (34.4) on the day when winning at Tauranga, which is not easy to do for any two-year-old, sired by five-time Champion stallion Savabeel, and there is a sense of timing about him. 

Probabeel, who the won the Karaka Million last year, is looking to become the first horse to win the Karaka Million 3YO Classic a year on. She has drawn barrier seven and to be ridden by Opie Bosson. 

Owned by Brendan Lindsay MNZM & Jo Lindsay at Cambridge Stud, Probabeel was purchased by David Ellis for $380,000, from the draft of Waikato Stud, at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale. With four wins, three seconds, from 10 starts, she has won $769,000 in prize money.

“Unfortunately we had to pay too much money for her because we were on the horse right from the word go and we were head-to-head with David Ellis. We didn't know it was him when we were bidding and after the sale we were so disappointed when she was knocked down to David. 

“But, we were lucky. He on sold her to us on the basis that Te Akau trained her and that started our association with Te Akau. I think we've got 12 horses in the stable now. It was a good investment for them and a good investment for us. 

“All trainers get up at ridiculous times in the morning and expected to take phone calls 24-7. Jamie Richards is one of those guys that the information you get from him is so accurate. He's always available, and always available if you've got an issue or want to talk about something. Whether it is the horse, or the jockey, or the track, Jamie has always got time for you. And I'm not saying other trainers aren't like that, but he is the ultimate professional. There's no doubt about that.”

From the time of her first trial, to super debut win at Ellerslie, and spring campaign when twice runner-up to the best three-year-old fillies in Australia, Probabeel has shown to have high-quality attributes only exuded by the cream in any sporting field. Therefore, should prove very competitive in the 3YO Classic.  

Te Akau principal David Ellis recently purchased six yearlings at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale, in which some shares remain, and will be on song in a bid to become leading buyer for the 15^thconsecutive year at Karaka. 

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