Speedy O'Reilly filly Talaria (NZ) scored a winning debut in Saturday's $50,000 Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe putting herself firmly in the picture for the rich Karaka Million.
She soared into second place in the Order of Entry for the 2017 Karaka Million.
Talaria's all-the-way win earned her $31,250 in prize-money, which is currently only bettered by the unbeaten Listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m) winner Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power) with $34,375.
The Murdoch Newell Stakes placegetters are also eligible for the Karaka Million.
Runner-up Oscar Eight (NZ) (Showcasing) sat in ninth place prior to Saturday's race, with $3,900 in prize-money courtesy of a debut second placing at Ellerslie. After filling the same placing in Saturday's Listed feature he has now earned $13,900 and sits in fourth place.
Gilhoolie (NZ) (Guillotine), who beat Oscar Eight in that Ellerslie race, remains slightly ahead of him on the table with $14,250.
Murdoch Newell Stakes third placegetter Nothin' On Me (NZ) (Not A Single Doubt) was also on debut. She earned $5,000 and is now eighth in the Order of Entry.
There is the potential for significant movement on the leaderboard when the $100,000 Group 2 Wellington Seamarket Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) is held at Trentham on December 3.
NZB Release
