Karaka Million Awaits Impressive Otaki Winner Hard Merchandize (NZ)

Hard Merchandize (NZ) (Burgundy) made a stylish winning debut at Otaki on Tuesday and in doing so earned his chance to run in the $1m Karaka Million (1200m) at Ellerslie Racecourse on January 29.

The first runner and first winner for Cambridge Stud sire Burgundy (NZ), Hard Merchandize went straight to the front in the Hunting & Fishing Otaki 2YO (1000m) and his lead was never under threat. He kicked strongly in the straight to win by a length and a half.

Hard Merchandize is trained and part-owned by Gary Vile, who purchased him for $38,000 from the Little Avondale Stud draft at this year’s Select Sale.

“He’s very professional and a pretty smart little horse,” Vile said. “We’ll give him a short break now and then have a go at the Karaka Million.”

Today’s win earned Hard Merchandize $4,375 in prize-money. He now sits in equal sixth place on the Karaka Million order of entry.

Wellesley Stakes winner Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power) heads the list with prize-money of $34,375.

There could be further movement on the order of entry on Saturday with the running of the $20,000 two-year-old race over 1000 metres at Te Rapa which features six Karaka Million eligible two-year-olds.

For further information on the Karaka Million race series click here.