It took just one start for Dijon Bleu (NZ) (Burgundy) to race her way into contention for next month's $1m Karaka Million (1200m) at Ellerslie.
Purchased for $26,000 by Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta at the 2016 Select Sale, Dijon Bleu made her debut in Sunday's $20,000 Mills Reef Winery 2YO (1100m) at her home track.
Ridden by Kelly McCulloch, she edged out her stakes-performed stablemate Dreams of Platinum (Dream Ahead) by a nose.
A daughter of first season sire Burgundy, Dijon Bleu earned $12,500 for Sunday's win, putting her in equal eighth position on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
Dual stakes winner Gift of Power (NZ) (Power) maintains a clear lead on the Order of Entry with $96,875 in prize-money. Talaria (NZ) (O'Reilly) is second with $31,250, with Hasahalo (NZ) (Savabeel) third with $20,000.
They are followed by Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) on $14,375, Gilhoolie (NZ) (Guillotine) with $14,250, Oscar Eight (NZ) (Showcasing) on $13,900 and Waldorf (NZ) (Highly Recommended) with $13,375. Princess Rihanna (NZ) (Showcasing) is equal with Dijon Bleu with prize-money of $12,500.
The upcoming Ellerslie Christmas Carnival will provide several opportunities for two-year-olds to race their way into Karaka Million contention. Boxing Day features an 1100-metre race worth $50,000, then a maiden two-year-old race worth $10,000 will be held on December 29. The New Year's Day meeting features the $70,000 Group 3 Barneswood Farm Eclipse Stakes (1200m).
To view the Order of Entry click here. For more information about the Karaka Million Series click here.
