Freedman Eyeing Up Second $1,000,000 Karaka Million

Freedman Eyeing Up Second $1,000,000 Karaka Million

Last year’s $1 million New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million winning trainer – Australian-based Anthony Freedman – is in search of another Karaka Million title with Minaj who arrived in New Zealand last week and had her first gallop on Ellerslie’s track this morning.

Freedman has so far stuck to last year’s winning formula, having also galloped Ockham’s Razor (Any Suggestion) at Ellerslie a few days prior to the colt winning the 2012 running in emphatic fashion.
A two-year-old filly by Commands, Minaj (ex Ms Seneca Rock) has had two starts in Australia, winning her debut at Flemington by 2.5 lengths before running fourth at Mornington on 12 January.

“We gave her a good hit out today and she did very well,” commented Will Stewart, travelling foreman for Anthony Freedman.

She has never raced right handed so I worked her slowly the Ellerslie way of going at Cambridge before coming up for today’s gallop.”

Minaj worked alone in this morning’s gallop and looked very professional in her first appearance at the course being clocked from the 800 metre mark in 48.9 seconds and running her last 600 metres in 34.6 seconds.

“She had a good blow afterwards but it was a nice piece of work,” said Stewart. “She is such a relaxed filly, she takes everything in her stride and she has done very well since her arrival in New Zealand late last week. She hasn’t left an oat in her bowl since she got here.

“Vlad Duric has ridden her in both her starts and at this stage he will be coming across to take the ride. The New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million has been on Minaj’s radar for some time and she will have the blinkers on for the race so she is ready to put in a big performance.”

- Ends -

Notes to editors

- The $1,000,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million, New Zealand’s richest horse race, will be held at the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting at Ellerslie on the eve of the Karaka Premier Sale this Sunday 27 January

- Don’t miss the Karaka Million barrier draw on Radio Trackside at 11:45am tomorrow morning (Wednesday 23 January)

- To view the current Karaka Million Order of Entry click here

- Tickets start at $10pp (children under 15 years free) and can be purchased from www.ellerslie.co.nz

About New Zealand’s richest horse race – New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million

1. Every horse in the Karaka Sales Series is eligible to enter for the $1 million New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million (at a fee of $1750 plus GST) the following year, the richest horse race in New Zealand. They also become eligible for the $100,000 Karaka 3YO Mile the following season

2. A race for two-year-old thoroughbred horses, the $1 million New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million is run over 1200 metres at Ellerslie racecourse and carries a Restricted Listed status

3. This year the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million will be held at 7:17pm on Sunday 29 January. The six-race card commences with Race 1 at 5:09pm

4. The final field of 14 starters is determined according to prize money won so horses compete around the country in the lead up to the race to earn enough money to secure a coveted start

5. Prize money that is earned in Australia gets converted using the NZTR bank rate on 1 January of the year the horse enters the country

6. Conditions of entry, including prize money distribution, is explained here

7. The most expensive (purchased) winning horse was 2012 winner Ockham’s Razor ($170,000)

8. The up-to-date Order of Entry can be viewed here

9. Winning connections earn $8,000 per second of the race

10. Of the $1 million stake, $10,000 is paid to the owner(s) of the horse at the time of sale.

ENDS

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