Te Akau Season of Success - 8th Karaka Millions 2YO Title

Back in familiar Karaka Millions 2YO territory - Te Akau was well represented again in this year's two year old feature. As the stable hunted down it's 8th victory in the event, it was a game filly who prevailed in nasty weather conditions, bringing joy and sunshine to her team of owners as the rain poured down ...

On a night where history and prestige collide, La Dorada (2 f Super Seth – Gold Fever, by Savabeel) delivered a golden performance to win the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) at Ellerslie on 25 January - marking Te Akau’s eighth victory in this iconic race in nine years.

Facing a full field of 13 rivals, the beautifully composed daughter of Super Seth never missed a beat. Ridden to perfection by Champion Australian jockey Craig Williams, La Dorada punched through from an inside draw to sit poised just off the lead. Turning for home, she travelled effortlessly, and when asked to quicken at the 200m, she surged away - drawing clear for a stylish and commanding win.

Williams, ever the polished professional, seemed to channel every ounce of confidence into the filly, and the pair moved as one - sharp, focused, and full of purpose. The big-race aura was undeniable.

“It’s always special to win on the big stage,” said co-trainer Mark Walker, who shares training duties with Sam Bergerson. “Credit to David Ellis – to purchase eight individual winners of this race is an extraordinary achievement. You’d struggle to find anyone, anywhere in the world, who’s done that. And full kudos to Karyn for syndicating her.”

The win marked the return of the crown jewel to Te Akau’s mantle. After a record-breaking seven-year streak of Karaka Millions 2YO wins from 2017–2023, La Dorada’s victory placed the powerhouse stable firmly back on top.

On a Soft5 surface, La Dorada clocked the 1200 metres in 1:10.7, returning $3.50 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

Owned by the Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), La Dorada was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $190,000 from Waikato Stud’s 2024 Karaka Book 1 draft. She’s already banked over $1 million in prize money in her juvenile season - a fairytale start to what promises to be a thrilling career.

La Dorada is from the second crop of Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth (Dundeel), who has rapidly made his mark with four Group 1 winners to his name - including this rising star, who would go on to claim the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes as well as the Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes in the season.

Her dam, Gold Fever, also carries a familiar tale. Purchased by Ellis for $110,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, she dazzled on debut with a 3.5 length romp and became a standout juvenile, winning the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes and placing in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes. By Champion Sire Savabeel, Gold Fever won three of her six starts and placed in the other three - an exceptional strike rate now mirrored by her daughter.

Having travelled to Te Akau's Australian stable to prepare for an Australian campaign in the new season, La Dorada is being readied for a jump out on 4 August at Cranbourne as she looks ahead to her spring campaign.

Te Akau's previous Karaka Millions 2YO winners:

2023 – Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin)

2022 – Dynastic (Almanzor)

2021 – On the Bubbles (Brazen Beau)

2020 – Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel)

2019 – Probabeel (Savabeel)

2018 – Avantage (Fastnet Rock)

2017 – Melody Belle (Commands)