The standard of New Zealand’s two-year-old racing this season has been of a high quality and that is set to continue this Saturday in the NZ Bloodstock 2YO Premier (1100m) at Awapuni.  

The Lisa Latta trained Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward) comes into the race with four starts for one win.  A Karaka Million nominee, he is currently sitting in 14th position with $6,387 in stakes earnings.

Other Karaka Million nominees are the Bruce Wallace trained Endorsement (Nadeem) who comes into the race with a win and a second from three trials and the Jason Bridgman trained Eatons Gold (Jet Spur) who placed second in his only trial on  November 23.

The Lisa Latta trained Elusive Red (Elusive City) ran into a talented pair in Super Easy and Planet Rock at her debut and battled well for third with fellow entry Princess Lincoln (Lonhro) running fourth.  The Grant Searle trained Higgs Boson (Handsome Ransom) also ran into a tough horse on debut running fourth to Savabill.

The John Sargent trained Orutan is one to watch on debut.  She is by Pins from the very talented filly Naturo and showed promise running second in her only trial.

Previous Karaka Million winning trainer Peter McKay is lining up Quintero for his first start.  The Fastnet Rock colt has been to the trials twice for two wins.

Saturday’s two-year-old contest will be the 18th race that New Zealand Bloodstock has sponsored this season.  There are just 16 two-year-old contests left before the Karaka Million 2YO on January 30 at Ellerslie.  The $85,000 Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes on January 22 offers the biggest boost for horses trying to qualify for a start in the million dollar race for Karaka graduates.

The National Yearling Sales Series catalogues are out now, to request a copy, please contact NZB or visit www.nzb.co.nz.