3 minute read
Karaka Million excitement continues to build with significant changes to the order of entry for New Zealand's richest race after weekend racing.
Bella Court (Per Incanto) secured a place in the Karaka Million field after an impressive victory at Ellerslie in the $20,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series two-year-old race (1200m).
Trained by New Zealand’s leading trainer of last season Lisa Latta, Bella Court made her racing debut just 21 days ago where she finished second to Strata Lady (Stratum), who is sitting eighth on the Order of Entry.
The two-year-old filly earned $12,000 with her 1.3 length victory rocketing her up 15 places to now sit comfortably in fifth position on the Order of Entry for the Karaka Million.
“She has always shown a lot,” comments Lisa Latta. “Her preparation has been with the Karaka Million in mind but I want to do the right thing with her.
“I think she will be a nicer three-year-old and I don’t want to make any decisions until I get a saddle back on her.”
Bella Court is also the second progeny of young sire Per Incanto to earn a crack at the $1m race with Dal Cielo from the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable sitting directly above her in fourth position.
Bella Court was bred by star international kiwi jockey James McDonald and was purchased at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock’s Festival Sale for $37,000 by Lisa Latta Racing Stable.
“She really took my eye at the Sales, obviously at the Festival Sale you have to get around a lot of horses but she stood out,” comments Latta.
Ilikai, a two-year-old daughter of Coats Choice, also jumped into the field last week after winning a $7,500 race at Reefton. Trained by Michael Pitman, the filly is currently set to make the final field, sitting in 12th position on the Order of Entry.
Showboy (Showcasing) remains the leader of the Order of Entry after running third in the G3 Barneswood Farm Eclipse Stakes on New Year’s Day with $74,650 earned in prizemoney for trainer Nigel Tiley.
Maritimo (Pins) is second in the Order of Entry after finishing runner-up ahead of Showboy in the Eclipse Stakes. Trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, this filly increased her stakes to $51,150.
The Darci Brahma filly Windborne ran along with Showboy and Maritimo on New Year’s Day to finish fifth for Jason Bridgman’s stable and now has total stakes of $45,000.
Dal Cielo remains in fourth position with $27,500 and Bella Court now in fifth with $16,000 in prizemoney.