There’s plenty of excitement building towards this evening’s TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie, which has been further enhanced by an NZB Kiwi slot announcement on a leading contender in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m).
Undefeated three-year-old Dealt With (NZ), who is a $6.50 third favourite for tonight’s mile feature, has been secured for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) by Slot Holders Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing.
The son of Ace High has made a monumental rise in the last month, winning on debut at Te Aroha over 1150m on January 4 before extending his unbeaten run, and securing his spot in the Karaka Millions 3YO, with a three-quarter of a length victory at Pukekohe on Sunday.
Shaun Clotworthy, who trains Dealt With’s Karaka Millions race rival Billy Blinx, said the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has been on his radar for some time and he is excited his group has been able to secure him for the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8.
“He looks a really exciting horse,” Clotworthy said. “Everybody in the team that is involved in our slot are really excited to be able to secure a horse like him.
“I saw him trial at Ellerslie on the day that Willydoit (New Zealand Derby favourite) won his trial, and I thought he was more impressive than Willydoit at the trials.
“After his win at Counties (last Sunday) he came into contention. He is a horse with a tonne of potential.
“Hopefully between now and the NZB Kiwi he keeps on improving. He is a real contender.”
Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing’s announcement is timely, given tonight’s TAB Karaka Millions 3YO is one of the NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible races, with the winner qualifying for a share of $1 million in bonuses if they run in the first three in the NZB Kiwi (1st – $600,000, 2nd – $250,000, 3rd – $150,000).
“Most of the people in the slot will be at the races. They will be cheering on my stable but also have the bonus of having a real contender for the NZB Kiwi $1 million Bonus Pool in the Karaka Millions to cheer for as well,” Clotworthy said.
Clotworthy said it’s great to be a part of the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi, with excitement noticeably building towards the rich feature.
“I have been around the sales for the last couple of days and everyone has been talking about it (NZB Kiwi),” he said. “There’s starting to get a fair bit of hype around it now and there is a real vibe that it is going to be a great day. It’s a great initiative, so to be a part of the first one is awesome.”
Clotworthy is enjoying being joined on the NZB Kiwi journey by several good friends and clients in their Slot Holder syndicate, and he said that has been the making of the experience so far.
“That’s half the fun,” he said.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking trying to secure a horse, but now we have secured a horse we can sit back and watch it unfold.”