Training partners Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall are upbeat heading into Saturday’s Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) after Lollapalooza and Fleeting Star produced a strong exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Friday.
The stablemates worked together over 1000 metres on the upgraded Soft 6 surface, stopping the clock at 1:01.56 before finishing off their hit-out under a hold with a final 600 metres in 34.98.
“It was very good work and confirmed that they’re on target for Ellerslie,” Richardson said. “They’re both really fit, but I guess they need to be for what’s coming up.”
Lollapalooza will be having her first start since finishing second to Well Written in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), before again finishing runner-up behind Tellum in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
“She has put together a very good record in all the big races but she’s still learning, so she’ll be wearing visor blinkers on Saturday,” Richardson said.
Fleeting Star comes into the race after following her maiden victory at Ellerslie in early December with a strong third in the Eight Carat Classic, confirming her credentials for the $1.5 million feature.
“We’ve always rated Fleeting Star and just lately she has really come to it,” Richardson said. “Blinkers have worked well for her and she’ll have them on again.”
Well Written is the online bookmakers $1.50 favourite in the race.