If you’re looking for the best race meeting on the planet this week, you don’t need to look past the breathtaking surrounds of Ellerslie in Auckland. New Zealand’s Karaka Millions meeting, headlined by the Group 1 Railway Stakes, is world-class racing at its absolute finest. This is a meeting that defines elite thoroughbred racing. It’s the ultimate proving ground for graduates of one of the most prestigious bloodstock sales anywhere in the world, where reputations are announced and future stars stand up on a global stage. From top to bottom, the card is stacked with feature races, international interest, and serious depth of talent.
One of the great joys of Karaka Millions Day is watching the babies’ step onto the big stage, and this year’s two-year-old contest is a beauty. The famous Hayes name is represented by the Australian-trained filly Torture, who crosses the Tasman after an impressive debut win at Caulfield in October. With Damien Lane in the saddle, she’s been set for this race from day one. Standing in her way, as they so often do, are the powerful Te Akau colours, led by the unbeaten colt Kinnaird for the champion training partnership of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, with Opie Bosson aboard. He’s done nothing wrong so far and looks to be improving with every run.
The spotlight then shifts to the three-year-olds, and once again we’re dealing with serious quality. Well Written, the unbeaten filly from Stephen Marsh’s barn, puts her flawless record on the line. Tough, genuine, and ultra-professional, she has all the hallmarks of a future New Zealand racing superstar. But she won’t have it her own way. Te Akau strike again with La Dorada, and they’ve called on Australian ace Craig Williams to make the trip across the ditch with one clear goal in taking the riches back home.
Then it’s time for the main event: Group 1 glory in the Railway Stakes, featuring the very best of New Zealand’s sprinting ranks (outside of the world’s best; with New Zealand bred, Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising, as he chases history at Sha Tin on Sunday.). This year’s Railway is a deep, high-octane affair. Defending champion Crocetti is back, but so too is the horse he narrowly denied last year, Alabama Lass, once again partnered by Craig Williams. The four-year-old mare has been outstanding since that defeat, winning again in New Zealand before heading to Australia and capturing the HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic down Flemington’s famous straight. This has all the ingredients of a classic. Expect fireworks.
With a full card of World Pool racing, Ellerslie becomes the meeting point for racing jurisdictions across the globe this Saturday. It’s international, it’s prestigious, and it showcases New Zealand racing at its absolute best. Do yourself a favour; tune in. This is one of the biggest, boldest, and best race days anywhere in the world.
