It wouldn’t be Karaka Millions night if the familiar tangerine and blue colours of Te Akau Racing were not front and centre in the finish of one of the two feature events, the Listed Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m).
The 2025 edition of the contest proved no difference with promising filly La Dorada extending the Matamata stable’s outstanding record in the race to eight victories with a gritty on pace effort.
Leading Victorian rider Craig Williams made the trip across the Tasman to partner the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared daughter of Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth and produced an absolute gem to guide her home.
Williams made good use of her handy barrier draw (5) to head forward at the start, disputing the pace with Aussie raider Hello Romeo before easing to a clear lead with 300m to run.
Hard up against the fence, La Dorada produced a powerful kick and shot two lengths clear before gamely holding out the late charge of outsiders Vega For Luck and South Island visitor Miss Ziggy who stormed home from second last on the home turn.
Williams was his usual calm and collected self after picking up his third win in the race, noting the addition of vizor blinkers and a tongue tie had been crucial to the performance.
“The gear change today meant I had the right filly and she was very good,” Williams said.
“She had a lovely run throughout although the instructions weren’t that specific.
“It was all about her and they knew the horse they had.”
Williams had previously taken out the contest aboard Ruud Awakening in 2013 and with Ockham’s Razor a year earlier
Walker paid tribute to the staff involved with their Matamata operation and his training partner Bergerson.
“This is terrific and great for Sam as he has had to sustain a lot of pressure as I have been in Melbourne a lot,” Walker said.
“Full credit to him and the team, this was great as it is good to win on the big stage.
“Also well done to David Ellis to buy eight individual winners of this race, as if you go anywhere in the world and find someone who has done that, you wouldn’t find it.
“She just paraded so well and she looked a picture.
“Craig Williams rode her a treat and the staff have been working hard as it’s this time of the year where you have to raise the bar.
“It’s just fun being part of this night as it is the night on the racing calendar.”
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