Probabeel Makes Karaka Million history

Media Release - Saturday January 25

On a dream night for the Te Akau operation, star filly Probabeel has entered Karaka Million folklore with an exceptional victory in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).

Probabeel wins the Karaka Million 3YO - image Trish Dunnell

Probabeel wins the Karaka Million 3YO - image Trish Dunnell

Just over an hour after Te Akau celebrated their fourth consecutive victory in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) with Cool Aza Beel, Probabeel became the first ever Karaka Million 2YO winner to return to the twilight meeting 12 months later and win the Karaka Million 3YO Classic.

The Karaka Million concept is in its 13th year, and the three-year-old race was introduced in 2010 and elevated to a $1 million purse in 2018. The previous best result by a Karaka Million 2YO winner was by the Lisa Latta-trained Fort Lincoln, who finished third in the three-year-old race in 2012.

Probabeel performed creditably at Group One level in Sydney through the spring and won comfortably first-up at Awapuni earlier this month.

Sent out as a $1.60 favourite to complete her historic Karaka Million double she was aided by a perfectly timed ride from Opie Bosson and duly delivered.

Bosson and Probabeel dropped well back in the field as the free-going Pimlico and Our Creed set up a strong tempo in front. She was still near the tail of a spread-out field coming down the side towards the home turn, but Bosson never panicked.

He angled Probabeel into the clear in the straight and put the pedal to the floor, and Probabeel’s response was explosive.

She blazed to the front inside the last 300 metres, opening up a clear break and holding the strong-finishing Australian raider Conqueror at bay to win by a length and a half. Hasstobegood finished another two and a half lengths away in third, just ahead of Harlech.

Probabeel as a yearling, $380,000 purchase for David Ellis from Waikato Stud draft

Probabeel as a yearling, $380,000 purchase for David Ellis from Waikato Stud draft

“There was a bit of pressure coming into today, and I was pretty keen just to get through it,” relieved trainer Jamie Richards said. “But full credit to everyone, it was a big team effort and a great result.

“She probably got a little bit further back than we might have wanted, but we didn’t want Opie to rush her. She was a little bit unhappy at Awapuni last time when we rode her for a more prominent position.

“Opie just kept her happy, and then she quickened really well in the straight and put them away pretty nicely.

“Now we’re really looking forward to getting her back over to Australia, more than likely for the Surround Stakes (Gr.1, 1400m) at Randwick on February 29.”

The win capped a terrific day for the filly’s owners, Cambridge Stud proprietors Brendan and Jo Lindsay. They had previously won the $100,000 CollinsonForex Karaka Cup (2200m) with Dance Card, while Bavella placed in the Gr.3 Henley Park Mr Tix Trophy (1200m) and lightly raced filly Taroni placed in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m).

“What a day, what a horse,” Brendan Lindsay said. “I thought she was going to win easily when she raced to the lead in the straight, but it just got a bit nerve-racking in the last bit, but we’re here now.

“She’s the first horse to ever do this, and I think it’ll be a long time before anyone else does it again.”

– NZ Racing Desk

 

Advertisment

Race Result - Karaka Million 3yo Classic LR 1600m

Ellerslie Track: Dead(4) Time: 1:33.49
1
Probabeel
- 3f Savabeel (AUS) x Far Fetched (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: O P Bosson 54.5
2
1.5
Conqueror
- 3c Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Diademe (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Rdr: J B Mc Donald 56.5
3
4.0
Hasstobegood
- 3f Per Incanto (USA) x Don't Dilly Dally (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit (USA))
Tnr: R James & R Wellwood Rdr: V A Colgan 54.5
4
7.0
Harlech
- 3c Darci Brahma (NZ) x Obsession (NZ) (Bachelor Duke (USA))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: M J Dee 56.5
5
7.2
Tibetan
- 3g Shocking (AUS) x Baltis (NZ) (Al Akbar (AUS))
Tnr: Andrew Campbell Rdr: L G Innes 56.5
6
11.2
Pimlico
- 3g Proisir (AUS) x Amiga Mia (AUS) (Conatus (AUS))
Tnr: Andrew Campbell Rdr: J L Waddell 56.5
7
11.6
Rhaegar
- 3g Pluck (USA) x Grand Lady (AUS) (Grandera (IRE))
Tnr: M Baker & A Forsman Rdr: D S Johnson 56.5
8
11.7
Mascarpone
- 3g Shooting To Win (AUS) x Fromage (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: R T Elliot 56.5
9
12.5
Aalaalune
- 3f Reliable Man (GB) x Veva Girl (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: M Cameron 54.5
10
14.4
He's Got Power
- 3g Power (GB) x Keepereel (NZ) (Keeper (AUS))
Tnr: K & A Tyler Rdr: L J Allpress 56.5
11
17.4
Stateline
- 3g Zacinto (GB) x Kingsley Rose (NZ) (His Royal Highness (NZ))
Tnr: S F Ritchie Rdr: S R Weatherley 56.5
12
21.0
Sacred Lae
- 3g Sacred Falls (NZ) x Pin Up Lae (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: C Gibbs & M Bradley Rdr: C E Lammas 56.5
13
21.4
Our Creed
- 3g Charm Spirit (IRE) x Clerihew (GB) (Lomitas (GB))
Tnr: M G Forbes Rdr: C J Grylls 56.5
More Reading...
Juvenile Trial Watch - Three States
Some interesting two-year-old trials around Australia on Monday with a couple of first season sires showing up, a high priced Horses In Training graduate and a pointer to one selling at Magic Millions Perth this week.
Fierce Impact 2YO Aiming For Stakes Racing After Riccarton
Former champion jockey David Walsh scored his first training success in more than two decades when Leah Hemi saluted aboard Zelia at Riccarton last month, and the local horseman is hoping the same combination can put in a repeat performance at the Christchurch track on Wednesday.
NZ Draws First Blood with Probabeel in the Futurity Stakes
 The $500,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) turned into a battle of the star mares with New Zealand’s Probabeel defeating the Western Australian Arcadia Queen.
Streetfighter Probabeel off The Canvas in Might And Power
Just five horses went to post for Saturday’s $1,000,000 Group 1 Neds Might And Power Stakes (2000m), but what a brilliant tactical race it turned out.
Juvenile Trial Watch - Rosehill
There were six juvenile heats at the Rosehill barrier trials on Tuesday with a first look at two impressive youngsters by I Am Invincible a highlight along with another Farnan youngster confirming his talent.
She Loves a Fight - Probabeel Off The Canvas Again
Punters that took the short odd on Probabeel went straight to the bar after the star New Zealander found a way to win Saturday’s $200,000 Group III Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes at Caulfield.
Pivotal Ten Highlights Valachi Downs Legacy
Kevin Hickman has left a lasting mark on New Zealand’s breeding industry, with the recent success of sensational filly Pivotal Ten an embodiment of his vision at Valachi Downs.
Group One Blue Diamond Barrier Draw
The Blue Diamond Stakes barrier draw is done for the first two-year-old Group One of the season and connections of the favourites will be on good terms.
Yulong Acquire Australian Guineas Favourite
Yulong have announced they have acquired ruling Australian Guineas favourite Angel Capital.
Latest Golden Slipper Order Of Entry
The latest Golden Slipper order of entry has been released by Racing NSW with Farnan's Inglis Golden Gift winner North England sitting at the top, while one of the highest earning youngsters in the country has nothing to show for it.