Queensland-based trainer Liam Birchley is hoping to go one better in the 2010 Karaka Million at Ellerslie on January 31.

Birchley was runner-up last year when Sarge in Charge (Golan) was beaten by The Heckler.  He will back in Auckland later this month with Sister Havana who was a four length winner in Brisbane last Saturday.

Sister Havana (2f General Nediym – Ultima Vita by Canny Lad) was purchased from Bob and Glenda Skinner’s Shelby Park draft for $40,000 at the 2009 Karaka Select Sale.  She is half-sister to Group placed Hong Kong sprinter Tchaikovsky (Snippets) and is also related to G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Reward for Effort (Exceed and Excel).

The Karaka Million field is beginning to take shape.  Banchee (Oratorio) finished fast for an eye-catching second in the G3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) on New Year’s Day.  She finished in front of Everlasting (General Nediym) and Big River (General Nediym) and all three strengthened their positions in the order of entry.

Deceased Widden Stud sire General Nediym has 10 yearlings catalogued for the 2010 NZ Bloodstock Karaka yearling sales.  His Premier session lots include colts out of Candy (313), Miss Debonair (51) Entrust (392), Gemstone (418) and Bluegables (828).