Silver City took an early lead in qualifiers for the 2012 Karaka Million by winning the second two-year-old race of the season at Ruakaka on the weekend.

Silver City (Nothing To Lose) is trained by Stephen McKee and he won the $11,000 Cowleys Party Hire by a head with Sam Spratt aboard.  He cost $58,000 from Bluegables Farm at the 2011 NZB Karaka Festival yearling sale.

The grey gelding is by an Australian based sire from a winning daughter of Qld Winter Stakes winner Blushing Bijou (Nassipour).

The Karaka Million (1200m) is New Zealand’s richest race and will be held at Ellerslie on Sunday, January 29.  The race carries Restricted Listed status and the final 14-horse field will be determined according to prizemoney won by eligible graduates who have nominated for the race.

The Karaka 3YO Mile, which has been awarded black-type for the first time this season, will also be held at the Karaka Million meeting.  The field will be determined according to domestic ratings.