NZB online yearling sale now live

New Zealand Bloodstock's 2023 National Online Yearling Sale is now live on plus.gavelhouse.com.

All lots offered in the sale are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Million Series.

Just nine months after they make their virtual salering debut, graduates of the online sale can compete for a share in the 2024 $1m Doubletree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), followed by the 2025 $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) and $120,000 CollinsonForex Karaka Cup (2200m) for the remainder of their careers.

Bidding will open on Friday 14 April and is set to close from 6pm, Wednesday 19 April.

Following normal Sale protocol, the National Online Yearling Sale will continue to be run under NZB Terms and Conditions.

For more information about the Sale, contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email Kane.jones@nzb.co.nz

 

Pinarello sidelined

Group One winner Pinarello faces an extended time on the sidelines.

The son of Tavistock was found to have suffered a hairline fracture of his pelvis following his run in the Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) on Saturday.

He will be joined in his spelling paddock at Cambridge Stud by Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2000m) winner Aquacade.

“Pinarello will require 4-6 months on the sideline where he will join our Avondale Cup winner Aquacade,” Cambridge Stud said in a statement.

“An examination following her fourth placing in the Auckland Cup revealed a chip in her near fore fetlock which was removed arthroscopically last week.

“Both horses are expected to make a full recovery and we are still optimistic about chasing big race targets with them next season.”

 

Weather to decide Hezashocka start

The weather and resulting track conditions will play a big part on whether Hezashocka runs in Melbourne or Sydney on the weekend. 

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Hezashocka is an acceptor for the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday while he also holds a nomination in the Gr.3 Easter Cup (2100m) at Sandown.

There is a vast difference in prize money with the Queen Elizabeth carrying A$5 million in stakes and the Easter Cup A$200,000. 

Price was at Randwick on Monday morning when he was hit by heavy rain, but the forecast is for a fine week for the rest of the week and an improving track. 

"If he was on a Heavy 10 and he's in a $5 million dollar race, then he's a chance to earn some money, but on top of the ground I would be a bit suss on that," Price said. 

"He's capable in 2000m Group Ones of running a place and I note that it is $425,000 for third, but he needs a bit of a hand. 

"It's to be considered." 

Hezashocka has had two runs back in the autumn. After beating two home in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, Hezashocka finished an unlucky fifth to Cascadian in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 25.

Price said Hezashocka has had limited luck in his past two 2000m races at Flemington, including finishing third to Zaaki in the Champions Stakes on November 5.

The co-trainer said the Easter Cup, in which Hezashocka is handicapped on 57kg, was a winnable race while on a heavy track in Sydney he could fill a place.

"I'm not thinking he can win at all against Anamoe and Dubai Honour, (in the Queen Elizabeth) but if it's wet, he would be a chance, and if it's not wet, he could stay home," Price said.

"He could win an Easter Cup on a good track."