Stablemates aim to topple Well Written in Karaka Million 3YO Classic | Just horse racing

Training partners Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall are optimistic heading into Saturday’s Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) after Lollapalooza and Fleeting Star produced a strong exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Friday.

The stablemates teamed up for more than 1000 meters on the improved Soft 6 surface, stopping the clock at 1:01.56 before completing their hit under a hold with a final 600 meters in 34.98.

“It was really good work and it confirmed they are on course for Ellerslie,” Richardson said. “They’re both very fit, but I think they need to be for what’s going to happen.”

Lollapalooza will make her first start since finishing second to Well Written in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), before finishing second again to Tellum in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

“She’s had a really good record in all the big races, but she’s still learning, so she’ll be wearing blinders on Saturday,” Richardson said.

Fleeting Star comes into the race after her maiden win at Ellerslie in early December with a strong third place in the Eight Carat Classic, confirming her qualifications for the $1.5 million.

“We have always rated Fleeting Star and lately she has really come around to it,” Richardson said. “Blinkers have worked well for her and she will have them on again.”

Well Written is the online bookmakers’ $1.50 favorite in the race.

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