This weekend Ellerslie racecourse is hosting the annual New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million. This is the NZ equivalent of the Magic Millions race day and it precedes the Karaka Yearling Sales.
We are fortunate to have a runner in the $250,000 (NZD) Listed Karaka 3yo mile. Romancer was purchased by Donna Logan at the 2015 Karaka Select Yearling sale.
She and her co-trainer Chris Gibbs have been patient in preparing this athletic gelding. He has raced only 4 times recording 2 wins and a 2nd. In winning the Listed Mufhasa Stakes at Ellerslie, he became the first stakes winner for Redwood.
After being slightly disappointing in his last start, Donna and Chris believe he is back to 100% for Sunday’s race. In a small field of 9 that includes Group 1 winner Sacred Elixir, he has drawn barrier 8. A forward run by Romance will provide a good indication of how he is tracking toward his main target, the NZ Derby in March.
This race is set to start at 4:07pm ADST. Click here to view the field.
Night’s Watch is another exciting 3yo we have by Redwood. He is trained by Peter Williams and won impressively on debut. He is set to start in the 1600m race at 4:41pm ADST. In a large field of 17, he has drawn barrier 6. This seems to be quite an even field and if Night’s Watch can perform as he did on debut, he should be hard to beat.
Just like Romancer, Night’s Watch is also aimed at the NZ Derby. Click here to view the field.
With four Redwoods now owned, OTI have been very impressed with the stallion’s first and second crops.
We own the promising 2yo colt, Mighty Quinn, trained by Matt Cumani. The colt is nearing his first jump out and is pleasing the young trainer with his natural ability. Archie Alexander recently acquired a lovely 2yo filly. This filly is also quite exciting. She is in her early stages of education at Archie’s Ballarat stables. She is strong, well-proportioned and moves well.
The Redwoods are proving to be very commercial, however Archie’s filly is still available for those seeking a quality filly.
