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Palamos withdrawn from Karaka Million

Te Akau Racing has confirmed that Palamos will not take his place in the Double Tree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 23.

Purchased by Te Akau's David Ellis out of Ainsley Downs Stud's 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Sale draft for $85,000, Palamos currently tops the Order of Entry for the rich feature with $40,050 in stakes earnings.

"Unfortunately a routine veterinary inspection has identified a small issue with the colt," trainer Jamie Richards said.

"While we could continue with his preparation towards the Karaka Million, we are resolute in our view that we must always do the right thing by our horses, hence our decision. 

"He is owned by very loyal Te Akau owner Mr Edmund Wong who is based in Hong Kong and, while he is understandably very disappointed as we all are, he completely supports us in this call. Mr Wong is as passionate about his horse's well-being as we are.

"Palamos is a very promising colt and he has a big future ahead of him, so we will give him the time he needs now, as we are sure this patience and care will reap future racing rewards."

With the withdrawal of Palamos, Te Akau's tangerine army still has plenty of firepower to defend its four consecutive Karaka 2YO Million win titles.

Manifold Stakes for Riding The Wave

Trainer Lindsey Smith is hoping that his in-form galloper Riding The Wave can round out his summer campaign with a win in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m).

Smith believes Riding The Wave will be suited by the step-up to 1400m at Flemington.

The former Kiwi has had four starts for Smith for an Australian debut fourth for him at Bendigo which was followed by a victory at Ballarat.

Riding The Wave has then had two starts at Flemington over 1200m for a second and then a narrow win at Flemington last start in a Benchmark 78 over 1200m.

Riding The Wave will return to Flemington on Saturday and will be ridden by Ethan Brown. He carried 58.5 kg at his last start win and will carry 54 kg on Saturday.

"I think he's ready for 1400 metres now. Hopefully that race last Friday has taken the edge off him and he'll relax a little bit better to get the trip," Smith said.

Smith pointed out that Riding The Wave had won over 1400m in New Zealand but in weaker grade.

"He pulled up in good shape and he'll take his place. I think he's an open class horse so we'll find out more," he said.

Smith will give Riding The Wave a break and then bring him back for the Winter Championship series.

OTI buys into Karaka Million contender

OTI Racing have purchased a 50 percent share in promising two-year-old Seven Twenty.

The daughter of Power has been placed in her two starts to date for Byerley Park trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy and is currently ranked eighth in the order of entry for the Double Tree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m).

"It's not every day that the chance to buy into a horse whose next start is in a million-dollar race," OTI's General Manager Shayne Driscoll said. "We're looking forward to seeing her step out for OTI and hoping she can put in a strong effort.

"She's well-bred, has a striking physical presence and her recent form shows all the attributes of a very talented filly with an abundance of potential."

Driscoll said while they would wait until after the Karaka Million to make plans, an Australian campaign with Group targets would likely eventuate after the rich juvenile feature.

Seven Twenty was purchased by Shaun Clotworthy for $14,000 out of Seaton Park's 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 3 Sale draft.