Karaka Million on radar for CS-bred Irish Cream

 
3 Oct 2017

A professional display on debut at Ruakaka on Wednesday has put Matamata filly Irish Cream into a prime position for the Karaka Million next January.

Irish Cream bounced out to lead and was clear 600m out before she was joined by challengers on straightening in the Tavistock Owners Syndicate 2YO.

But the daughter of O’Reilly accelerated and soon put daylight on the opposition.

She gave Cameron Lammas an easy ride and went to the finish with her ears pricked, winning effortlessly by seven lengths from Hasabro with a gap of a length and a half to the erratic favourite Mexican Tycoon.

“She’s a beautiful filly and she’s impressed us all the way through,” co-trainer Jamie Richards said.

“Dan Miller broke her in and he loved her. Since she’s come into the stable she’s done everything 100 per cent. We couldn’t be happier with the way she’s going. She looks a real professional.”

Twelve months ago the Stephen Autridge-Richards stable won on debut at Ruakaka with Melody Belle, who went on to win the Karaka Million, and Irish Cream is to follow a similar path to the $1 million two-year- old event at Ellerslie.

“We’re in no rush with her now,” Richards said. “She can have a bit of a break and we can pick and choose where to go with her.”

Bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan, Irish Cream was bought from the Premier Sale at Karaka by David Ellis for $210,000. She is a granddaughter of the Gr.1 VATC Oakleigh Plate winner Dantelah. - NZ Racing Desk