Karaka Millions: Brand-new track could make for 'memorable' night

There might be bigger races in terms of prestige and honour, but when it comes to atmosphere, nothing in New Zealand racing compares to Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie.

12,000 punters will pack into the spiritual home of thoroughbred racing in this country, about 2000 more than initially planned, such is the stature it’s gained on the Auckland social calendar. It’s attracted some of the best horses in this part of the world, but perhaps even more notably, some of the big name jockeys as well.

James McDonald has made the trip across the ditch, along with the likes of Blake Shinn and Mark Zahra, to go with our local stars – Opie Bosson, Michael McNab, Sam Spratt and South African-born Warren Kennedy.

Add in the fact that they’ve got a brand new, state-of-the-art, highly praised track, the recipe is there for one of the more memorable nights in recent racing history.

So, just for the occasion and for the potential egg left on my face, I’ve taken a shot at picking who I think could win the six races on the card. Don’t shoot the messenger if these don’t come in!

Race 1: Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (G3) — 1200m, $225,000

1. Crocetti – Unbeaten in six starts and one of the most promising horses in this part of the world. Warren Kennedy on board is a big asset. Carries weight compared to main challengers, but on evidence, should be too good.

5. Merchant Queen – Garnered some early support with the bookmakers and is 3/3 in her race day career. Should round out the quinella.

4. Star Of Justice – Didn’t feature when favourite in the 1000 Guineas. Suspect she will like the refurbished track though and with Opie Bosson riding, looks a good place chance.

Race 2: Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap (G3) — 1200m, $225,000

1. Maven Belle – Last won over a year ago, but is a very good horse who just missed in the Telegraph at Trentham. Opie on board is good too.

8. Dazzled – Biggest test but loves this distance. A chance.

7. Master Fay – Won in Hong Kong which is a big tick, then again in his second start in New Zealand. Gets a decent barrier.

Race 3: Westbury Classic (G2) — 1400m, $500,000

14. Luberon – A fantastic 3-year-old who is only carrying 53kg, with “The Wizard of Woz” Warren Kennedy riding. Tough test, but I think she’s more than up for it.

1. La Crique – The proven class horse in the race and tough to beat.

9. Faraglioni – A proven Group One performer, finishing second in the TAB Classic in December. Four of her wins have come in heavy ground, which she won’t get here no matter the weather. But if she does get up, Ellerslie might have to build a new grandstand with the “Boys Get Paid” standing to collect more than a million bucks if she salutes.

Race 4: TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (Listed) — 1200m, $1,000,000

10. Bellatrix Star – She’s the one that’s stood out for me all the way through her prep. Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, if she wins, it’ll extend the Te Akau Stud connection in winning this race to eight in a row.

4. Cool ‘N’ Fast – Another from the Te Akau barn and another the Boys Get Paid group will be keeping a keen eye on, with another potential million dollar injection coming their way if he wins.

7. When Stars Align – I’m tipping a Te Akau trifector. They love this race, they all have great jockeys on board and they know how to win.

11. Velocious – The one they all like who has two wins to her name in three starts. Favourite at the time of writing and will probably jump as favourite. Deserves to have a good crack at them.

Race 5: Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic — 1600m, $1,000,000

12. Legarto – As close as you can get to a sure thing in racing. It’s as simple as that. In my eyes the best horse in the country (alongside Imperatriz who's based in Australia) and an absolute joy to watch. Should be too good here.

3. Desert Lightning – Coming off winning the aforementioned TAB Classic. Class horse, probably racing for second.

1. Sharp ‘N’ Smart – The current enigma in New Zealand racing. The reigning NZ horse of the year, trialled terribly in the build up to this before showing glimpses of his best in finishing third in the return to Ellerslie just a couple of weeks ago. If shows his best can challenge Legarto, but we haven’t seen his best since his stunning 3-year-old season. Is today the day?

Race 6: TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (Listed) —1600m, $1,500,000

5. Lupo Solitario – I feel the forgotten horse of this race. Probably not the ideal draw, but I actually think can roll forward from there and find a decent spot towards the front. Didn’t like the ground at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day as much as I think he will here. Surprised he’s at the odds he is and I think can cause what seems in many eyes would be an upset.

10. Molly Bloom – Superstar in the making. 1000 Guineas winner in style at Riccarton and is the one to beat. Trained by legendary Kiwi jockey Lance O’Sullivan in partnership with Andrew Scott.

12. Orchestral – James McDonald’s here and he doesn’t ride average horses. She’s a great chance here after being impressive in winning on New Year’s Day.