Pussy Willow wins Wakefield Challenge

Pussy Willow (NZ) dashed the hopes of several Karaka Million candidates when she scored an eye-catching victory in the G2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham.

Pussy Willow (2f O’Reilly – Octapussy by Octagonal) swamped the field with a dazzling turn of foot to beat Hazel (Handsome Ransom) by half a length.  The Stephen McKee trained filly is ineligible for the Karaka Million.

McKee declared the filly is “absolutely top class” after she made it two wins from two starts following a debut victory at Ruakaka on January 5.

Pussy Willow failed to make a $250,000 reserve when offered by Werai Park at the 2011 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  She was retained to race by Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan and Peter Walker.  Her dam Octapussy won 6 races up to 2000m and was runner-up in a G1 BTC Doomben Cup.

Waikato Stud champion O’Reilly also sired Flemington juvenile winner Shamexpress on Saturday.  He has 68 yearlings at Karaka 2012 including:

Lot 394 – Trelawney Stud’s colt is a half-brother to VRC Derby winner Amalfi

Lot 514 – Brother to stakes winner Salsa and half-brother to stakes winners Somepin Anypin (Pins) and Rule of Engagement (Danasinga).

Nominations for this Sunday’s $1 million Karaka Million (1200m) close on Tuesday 24 January at midday.  The barrier draw will be conducted on Wednesday 25 January.

The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be held at Ellerslie Racecourse this Sunday from 5pm.