Racing: Juveniles pursue big money

Champion jockey James MacDonald. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Karaka Million has dragged two Central Districts juveniles north for tomorrow's $20,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO at Ellerslie.

Bella Court (Lisa Latta) and Perfect Harmonee, trained by Paul Belsham, are attempting to earn sufficient stakemoney to get them into the Karaka Million and to have an early look at Ellerslie's complex racecourse layout.

Bella Court finished second to talented Strata Lady in her December 20 debut and Latta has a big opinion of her.

"To be honest, I don't really consider her an ideal Karaka Million type of filly - I think she'll be better in the autumn - but I've got to give her her chance to get in the race."

Champion jockey James McDonald was one of the breeders of Bella Court, who was bought at the Festival section at Karaka.

In common with a lot of the better juveniles looking at the Karaka Million, Bella Court is having to contend with firm training tracks as summer really kicks in. "A bit of rain would come in handy," said Latta.

"I think a lot of this filly. I've worked her at speed a couple of times right-handed and she has coped well."

Bella Court will be ridden by Mark Du Plessis.

Paul Belsham has similarly galloped Perfect Harmonee the Ellerslie way around. "He's a sensible type and he's handled it well."

Belsham said he would definitely run Perfect Harmonee if he makes the Karaka Million field and will spell the youngster if he doesn't earn enough to qualify him in tomorrow's race.

"Either way he will have had an experience around Ellerslie, which can be quite daunting. I remember when I had my first ride at Ellerslie, that was certainly daunting."

Graphic gets a perfect opportunity to regain winning form in the $30,000 Stella Artois 2100.

This race is a significant drop in class from what Graphic has been racing against.

Last start, he tackled the $200,000 group one Zabeel Classic and his effort for fourth behind Soriano was good enough to win this, even allowing he will carry 59kg clear topweight.

As last year's Wellington Cup winner Graphic has earned his weight.

Dalveen is one of racing's most difficult horses to follow, but there is no doubting her ability when she puts it together. One of her better runs would see her go close.

Mosse is another who will get his best chance to win this preparation when he takes on the $30,000 More FM 1200.

Mosse could finish only 10th in the group one Railway last start, but that was a much better effort than it looks on paper.

The key here is the small field; just seven runners. Mosse tends to get back off the speed over 1200m at the elite level and having just a handful in front of him on the home bend is ideal.

Punting pointers

Going for a treble:

Allez Eagle (R8, Ellerslie). Up to 58kg after two straight wins, but will still take a lot of beating. Steadily getting his confidence back.

Nicely placed: Mosse (R6, Ellerslie). Drops back in class a fair bit and the small field is perfect.

Unlucky: Giant Turtle (R1, Ellerslie). Ran out of room in a better field at Ellerslie last start. Drawn to get the run this time.