With New Zealand Bloodstock welcoming overseas buyers back on site for its National Yearling Sales Series for the first time in three years, there was always going to be plenty of hype and excitement in the build-up to Karaka 2023 – but an extraordinary 12 months for previous graduates has ensured that this will be among the most anticipated yearling sales in New Zealand’s history.
Racehorses sourced from NZB sales amassed no fewer than 20 victories at Group One level during 2022. Eight of those came in New Zealand, with 11 in Australia and one in Hong Kong.
DISTANCE VERSATILITY
Karaka graduates shone brightly over a wide range of distances throughout 2022, winning two Group One races over 1200 metres, three over 1400 metres, six over 1600 metres, four over 2000 metres, one over 2200 metres and four over 2400 metres.
1200m
- Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto): Newmarket Handicap, Champions Sprint
1400m
- Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma): Futurity Stakes
- Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir): Tarzino Trophy
- Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante): Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
1600m
- The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel): Thorndon Mile
- Mascarpone (NZ) (Shooting To Win): WFA Classic
- Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars): Doncaster Mile
- Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro): Champions Mile
- Legarto (NZ) (Proisir): New Zealand 1000 Guineas
- Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel): Captain Cook Stakes
2000m
- Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress): Herbie Dyke Stakes, New Zealand Stakes
- Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines): Turnbull Stakes
- Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood): Spring Champion Stakes
2200m
- Gypsy Goddess (NZ) (Tarzino): Queensland Oaks
2400m
- Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock): New Zealand Derby
- Jungle Magnate (NZ) (Tarzino): South Australian Derby
- Pinarello (NZ) (Tavistock): Queensland Derby
- No Compromise (NZ) (Pins): Metropolitan Handicap