Karaka Spotlight On Our 3YO's

We're bringing you to home base this week for an exclusive update on our Million Dollar team! Our team of outstanding individuals is set to captivate the audience, and here they are, showcasing their prowess in anticipation of this weekend's TAB Karaka Millions' event. 

As we delve into the lineup of our Million Dollar runners, let's first focus on Te Akau's two representatives in the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (Restricted Listed, 1600m): Tokyo Tycoon and Talisker.

Our history with this race is illustrious, and who could forget the unforgettable moment in 2020 when future dual Horse of the Year Probabeel achieved an unprecedented double as the first and only winner of both the Karaka Million 2YO & 3YO - Tokyo Tycoon now seeks to replicate this remarkable feat.

Adding to our list of triumphs, Pin Me Up claimed victory in the $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic in 2022. Wild Night, who was runner up last year, is poised to light up the Elsdon Park Aotearoa 4yo Classic Millions.

He’s unmissable - and with "there's only one" Opie Bosson in the saddle  - he’s got his eye on the Million Dollar prize - Tokyo Tycoon resumed his three-year-old season with an impressive victory in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy at Hastings. Owned by Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) & Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Tokyo Tycoon, who has earnings over $700,000, was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $125,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Rich Hill Stud.

Talisker too is right in the mix - capped his a hat-trick of wins with a terrific effort for second in the Group 1 2000 Guineas during Cup Week at Riccarton. Interestingly, his sire, who now stands at Cambridge Stud, was runner up in this very race! Talisker was freshened and kept giving for close second to dual Group 1 winner Legarto when trialling on 2 January at Tauranga. 

He resumed in the $55,000 3YO 1500 metres on 14 January at Ellerslie, stretching out nicely over the concluding stages for a close third. Owned by Te Akau Classic Edition Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Talisker was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $70,000 at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Landsdowne Park, and is among the first offerings of Te Akau trained Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas winner Embellish, whom Ellis also bought as a yearling at Karaka, and who himself was runner-up in the Karaka 3YO Millions in his year!

Which one of the 'T's' are you cheering home?