There is a new leader in the race towards the 2015 $1m Karaka Million with Windborne (NZ) (Darci Brahma) breezing to victory in the Listed $50,000 Murdoch Newell Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.
The win propels Windborne to the top of the Order of Entry for the 2015 Karaka Million with two months
to go until New Zealand's richest race.
Trainer Jason Bridgman has his sights firmly set on the Karaka Million and, with Windborne comfortably placed in the Order of Entry, only has to map out a path to the race on 25 January.
"She had probably already qualified for the Karaka Million with her win at Ellerslie but Saturday's win cemented her place as a live chance in the race," commented Bridgman. "It is a hard race to win, there are no guarantees but it is what she has been set for.
"She has pulled up 100% and will have a freshen up before going to the Eclipse Stakes on New Year's Day into the Karaka Million. After that, she will follow the traditional two-year-old races like the Matamata Breeders Stakes, Diamond Stakes and Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes – all going well."
Counties Racing Club's meeting was run at Avondale with Windborne starting the race-favourite having been victorious at her only raceday appearance at Ellerslie in October.
After beginning well for rider Matthew Cameron, Windborne gave up the lead as Thwayya (Snitzel) and The Dark Knight (NZ) (Showcasing) set a strong tempo, with the daughter of Darci Brahma settling well in the trail.
Once balanced up in the straight, Windborne unleashed a strong sprint and put the race beyond doubt in a matter of strides, easing down to win impressively by 1.5 lengths in a good time of 1.04.21.
"She made the step up to stakes company well," said Bridgman. "It was a commanding win, she didn't have things go all her own way and there is plenty of improvement left in her. She is a natural two-year-old by Darci Brahma."
Unbeaten in two starts, Windborne is owned by Fortuna Windborne Syndicate, managed by John Galvin, and has earned $43,250 to date.
The family of Windborne has been performing with distinction lately with her full-sister Darci's Dream finishing second in the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas the previous Saturday and was a winner of the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes earlier in the season. Their dam is Sweet Dreams Baby (Van Nistelrooy) who is from the family of champion racehorse and sire Danehill Dancer (Danehill).
John Galvin's Fortuna Syndications purchased Windborne for $100,000 at the 2014 Karaka Select Sale from Goodwood Stud.
On Sunday, Billy Mojo (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) took a step towards qualifying for the Karaka Million with victory in the $7,000 Frontier Bloodstock 1000m at Te Rapa, placing the Stephen Marsh-trained galloper ninth on the Order of Entry.
To view information for the Karaka Million, including the Order of Entry,click here.
