Nash Rawiller is hoping he can fit New Zealand’s richest race into his schedule after a successful trip to Ellerslie on Sunday.
As well as steering Australian sprinter Atomic Force to victory in the Group One Railway Stakes, Rawiller guided Warhorse to a comfortable win in the Group Three Eclipse Stakes.
The two-year-old is now the nominal favourite for the $1 million Karaka Million (1200m) for 2011 Karaka yearling sale graduates on January 29.
The retained rider for Gai Waterhouse in Sydney, Rawiller said he would have to consult the trainer before making a commitment.
“I’d have to run it by Gai first,” Rawiller said.
“But since it’s a Sunday I’d be pretty surprised if I couldn’t make it.”
Warhorse sat three wide for much of the 1200m race but showed great acceleration in the wet ground to race past favourite Irish Rebel.
The result was a quinella for trainer Jason Bridgman who was not surprised by Warhorse’s effort.
“He’s a real professional who didn’t get much luck at his last run,” said Bridgman, who trains the Te Akau Stud team in New Zealand.
Warhorse, who is owned in Singapore, is likely to be aimed at the Group One Diamond Stakes before heading to Te Akau’s team in Singapore.
AAP TURF
