The 2026 TAB Karaka Millions 3YO ran on Saturday January 24 at Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, and was won by Stephen Marsh's undefeated filly Well Written ($1.20F) who saluted by six lengths!
| 8. Well Written (3) J: Matt Cartwright 55kg 1111T: Stephen Marsh | ||
| 3. He Who Dares (4) J: Opie Bosson 57kg X2452T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | ||
| 9. La Dorada (5) J: Craig Williams 55kg X0041T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | ||
| 11. War Princess (1) J: Ben Thompson 55kg 11210T: Peter and Trent Didham | ||
| 13. Chilling Out (9) J: Craig Grylls 55kg 311T: Andrew Forsman | ||
| 5. Sweet Ice (2) J: Warren Kennedy 57kg X4732T: David Greene | ||
| 10. Lollapalooza (11) J: Vinnie Colgan 55kg 12522T: Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall | ||
| 1. Romanoff (6) J: Bruno Queiroz 57kg X3319T: Pam Gerard | ||
| 14. Fleeting Star (7) J: Angela Jones 55kg 33213T: Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall | ||
| 4. Argo (12) J: Damian Lane 57kg 46113T: Tony Pike | ||
| 12. Miss Ziggy (8) J: Kylie Williams 55kg 13912T: Andrew Carston | ||
| 2. Affirmative Action (10) J: George Rooke 57kg 31123T: Pam Gerard | ||
| 6. Now Not Never (13) J: Rory Hutchings 57kg 51T: Pam Gerard |
TAB Karaka Millions 3YO Info
- 2026 Karaka Millions 3YO Date: Saturday the 24th of January 2026
- Current Race Sponsor: TAB
- Track Location: Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand
- Distance: 1,600m
- Conditions: Restricted - 3YOs
- Status: Restricted Listed
- Prize Money (NZ): $1,500,000
- First Run: 2018
- Reigning Karaka Millions 3YO Winner: Well Written (2026)
Looking for the latest Karaka Millions 3YO betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Ellerslie $1.5 million Restricted Listed feature this January? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the Karaka Millions race this summer!
Currently sponsored by us here at the TAB NZ, the 2026 edition is known as the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO.
The Karaka Millions is a crucial test for New Zealand’s top three-year-old racehorses from the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales held at Karaka. It is one of the most popular Kiwi races held each summer is traditionally run at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse in late January during the hugely popular Karaka Millions Carnival on the eve of the next National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka.
The Karaka Millions twilight meeting is a night of glitz, glamour, and history making racing under the lights at Ellerslie.
It is one of New Zealand’s richest races and is held on the same Auckland race card as a host of other feature races including the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m).
To improve your chances of predicting the next Karaka Millions 3YO winner, access the latest Karaka Millions odds and tips online at the TAB NZ.
TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of three-year-old summer contenders.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in New Zealand, our comprehensive Karaka Millions 3YO race coverage has everything you need.
Lock in your top 3YO tips for the Karaka Millions 3YO race this summer at the right price with TAB NZ!
Karaka Millions 3YO Fast Facts
- Last filly to win the Karaka Millions 3YO: Well Written (2026)
- Notable Fact: Scott Base ($22.10 in 2018) and Pin Me Up ($24.10 in 2022) both won the race at big double-figure odds!
Bet on the next Karaka Millions 3YO now!
Karaka Millions 3YO Betting Info
Karaka Millions 3YO betting is open weeks ahead of the lucrative Restricted Listed NZ$1.5 million summer mile race at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Karaka Millions betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Karaka Millions odds online.
All-In Karaka Millions 3YO betting markets are then available following the official Karaka Millions 3YO nominations.
Betting on the Karaka Millions field is available following final acceptances.
Betting on the Karaka Millions 3YO favours the locally trained three-year-olds from the best New Zealand horse racing stables.
Karaka Millions race betting traditionally focuses on the proven young horses who have an outstanding record in the event and those who have contested previous 1600m races already in New Zealand.
Karaka Millions 3YO race tips centre on promising stars that have good lead-up form in similar grade spring/summer events and horses with previous experience at the Ellerslie track who have dominated recent Karaka Millions 3YO race results.
Expert Tips on the 2026 Karaka Millions 3YO
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Karaka Millions 3YO betting predictions ahead of this year’s $1.5 million feature in Auckland.
| 8. Well Written (3) J: Matt Cartwright 55kg 1111T: Stephen Marsh |
| 9. La Dorada (5) J: Craig Williams 55kg X0041T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson |
| 14. Fleeting Star (7) J: Angela Jones 55kg 33213T: Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall |
Karaka Millions 3YO Tips
Karaka Millions 3YO tips on which horse will win the next edition of the event flood in as the countdown to the important Ellerslie 1600m race heats up.
Karaka Millions 3YO tips on what horse will win the event this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.
When looking at Karaka Millions 3YO race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the Karaka Millions 3YO field are proven over the 1600m distance?
- Who the key Karaka Millions 3YO trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Karaka Millions 3YO field this year?
- Karaka Millions 3YO barrier statistics and where your Karaka Millions 3YO selections are drawn.
- Karaka Millions 3YO horses that have a good past record at the Ellerslie track.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Karaka Millions 3YO race tip? The event itself takes around one and a half minutes for the competing horses to run the 1,600m trip depending on track conditions.
The official Karaka Millions 3YO winner and winning Karaka Millions 3YO trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Karaka Millions 3YO result.
What are the best Karaka Millions 3YO lead-up races to look at when placing a Karaka Millions 3YO bet?
There are a number of earlier 3YO horse races held over the summer at key New Zealand racetracks including Ellerslie, Te Rapa and Otaki that Karaka Millions 3YO hopefuls may contest leading up to the classic.
Hopefuls may also come into the Karaka Millions 3YO field via a lead-up run in the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) the November prior, Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) held in late December or the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) in mid-January at Wellington.
Well Written won both the NZ 2000 Guineas and Auckland Guineas in the summer of 2025 before her 2026 Karaka Millions 3YO victory.
Australian-Bred Horses in the Karaka Millions 3YO
Betting on the Australian-bred horses in the field is popular with the race results showing the Aussie foaled three-year-olds have a solid record in the event against the locally foaled horses.
Looking back over the Karaka Millions 3YO history and statistics however shows Well Written (2026) was the first Australian bred champion since Long Leaf (2019).
Karaka Millions 3YO Tips for a Trifecta
Karaka Millions 3YO tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Karaka Millions 3YO results.
The horse to finish on top of the Karaka Millions 3YO trifecta is your Karaka Millions 3YO winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a Karaka Millions 3YO trifecta exotic bet on the race is a great way to add to the thrill and potentially be rewarded with a generous pay-out.
A Karaka Millions 3YO trifecta is only successful if the three horses in your bet finish in the exact order you predict. Punters may choose instead to box their trifecta bets on the Karaka Millions 3YO to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite into your Karaka Millions 3YO trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have a strong recent strike-rate running in the money.
Key Karaka Millions 3YO Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Karaka Millions 3YO by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Karaka Millions 3YO. Our Karaka Millions 3YO betting tips available at the TAB NZ Punters Lounge provide detailed win rate statistics.
- Place Percentages: Evaluate horses with consistent place percentages, indicating reliability and competitiveness. Karaka Millions 3YO tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
Karaka Millions 3YO betting takes place on the popular Karaka Millions 3YO which is held at Auckland’s Ellerslie Racecourse on a Saturday evening in late January annually.
Karaka Millions 3YO odds are offered on the esteemed Karaka Millions meeting Restricted Listed event, and the field attracts a host of promising three-year-old New Zealand horses from the Karaka sales.
The Karaka Millions races are some of New Zealand’s most bet on horse races thanks to the “Boys Get Paid” Facebook group’s organised punting syndicate.
It has been run and won as the Karaka Millions 3YO since 2018 when Scott Base became the official first Karaka Millions 3YO champion.
Prior to that the event ran from 2010 – 2017 as the Karaka Mile.
It has been a key event in New Zealand’s racing calendar for many years and attracts some of the best young horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country.
The race has seen many notable winners including the mighty mare Probabeel (2020) who won the Karaka Millions 2YO the year before and who went on to win four Group 1 Australian horse races over her career including the 2020 Epsom Handicap in Sydney.
Winning the Karaka Millions 3YO is a significant achievement in the racing community for eligible horses, and the event attracts lots of attention from punters both locally and internationally in Australia.
Taking place at Auckland’s iconic Ellierslie Racecourse, the Karaka Millions 3YO is a 1600m event.
Several Karaka Million 3YO winners have gone on to achieve success in Australian horse races including Probaeel (2020), Aegon (2021) who saluted in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes down under at his next start, Prowess (2023) who won that year’s Vinery Stud Stakes in Sydney, and Orchestral (2024) who also claimed the Karaka Millions 3YO – Vinery Stud Stakes double.
TAB Karaka Millions
The TAB Karaka Millions meeting is one of New Zealand’s leading horse racing events, held annually at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland.
The race meeting features not just one, but three races with stakes over NZ$1 million each! The Karaka Million 3YO race is the richest on the card with an incredible NZ$1.5 million on offer.
Key Karaka Millions Race Night Events:
- Restricted Listed $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) – The main event of the night, featuring New Zealand’s top two-year-old horses competing for a prize of NZ$1 million.
- Restricted Listed $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) – Another major race and the evening’s richest race with an incredible prize of NZ$1.5 million, showcasing the best three-year-old horses.
- Restricted Listed $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) – a new addition to the Karaka Million Race Night, this million-dollar mile race is only for four-year-olds.
- Group 1 $700,000 Sistema Railway (1200m) – One of the two most popular New Zealand thoroughbred sprint races along with the prestigious Telegraph Handicap.
- Group 2 $600,000 Westbury Classic (1400m) – Group 2 event offering over half-a-million open only to fillies and mares.
- Group 3 $250,000 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) – Sprint race support act for three-year-olds.
The event takes place in the evening, adding a unique atmosphere with twilight racing under the lights. It’s not just about the racing; the event is known for its fashion and social scene. There’s a “Birdcage Bash” afterparty with live music and a DJ, making it a full evening of entertainment.
The race night attracts international industry figures and racing enthusiasts, adding to its prestige and excitement.
Overall, the Karaka Millions Night is a must-attend event for racing fans and those looking to experience a night of thrilling racing and entertainment.
Get the best Karaka Millions Carnival odds, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the Karaka Millions 3YO now at the TAB NZ!
Where can you bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO?
The best place to bet on this year’s Karaka Millions 3YO race is through the TAB NZ online who sponsor the lucrative race.
Karaka Millions 3YO Odds
Karaka Millions 3YO odds and online betting tips on the Karaka Millions 3YO are dominated by proven young horses, the locally and Australian bred runners in the race, and those out of the top New Zealand stables who have a top record in the event.
Where can I find the latest Karaka Millions 3YO odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Karaka Millions 3YO, race sponsor TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.
How to Place a Bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO Race
Want to know how to make a bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Karaka Millions 3YO betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO online.
You can place a Karaka Millions 3YO bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Karaka Millions 3YO.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Karaka Millions 3YO is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Karaka Millions 3YO race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the Auckland night racing, the Karaka Millions 3YO has it all!
This important summer race showcases New Zealand’s finest three-year-old thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as one of the biggest races of the year!
How to Bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO this year?
1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.
2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.
3. Check out the Karaka Millions 3YO betting guide, Karaka Millions 3YO form guide and our expert Karaka Millions 3YO tips.
4. Choose a Karaka Millions 3YO bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Karaka Millions 3YO Trifecta. There are many more Karaka Millions 3YO betting options available so make sure to check out our Karaka Millions 3YO betting markets.
5. Select the Karaka Millions 3YO horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Karaka Millions 3YO nominations or Karaka Millions 3YO field.
What makes betting on the Karaka Millions 3YO so popular?
The fact that the Karaka Millions 3YO is the leading three-year-old race in New Zealand, a seven-figure event offering $1.5 million in stakes, and that it is run as one of the are New Zealand twilight horse racing meetings make it a must watch and must bet on racing event.
The Karaka Millions 3YO is a great race that has produced a host of subsequent Group 1 winning horses.
The Karaka Millions 3YO is one of the most prestigious and lucrative thoroughbred horse races in New Zealand.
For the best online betting on the Karaka Millions 3YO, consider tipping a horse to win both the Karaka Millions 3YO and a Group 1 race over the carnival in a summer race double!
What makes the Karaka Millions 3YO so special?
The Karaka Millions 3YO serves as a great guide historically to other important New Zealand races so using the Karaka Millions 3YO winners’ list for upcoming Group events is popular with punters.
It is a highly competitive and prestigious race that grows in popularity each summer.
New Zealand and international racing fans, including those in Australia, tune into the thrilling 1600m summer showdown every season to see if their bets on the Karaka Millions 3YO race won!
The Karaka Millions 3YO currently offers NZD$1,500,000 in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners from across the country keen to add their names to the list of Karaka Millions 3YO champions.
Karaka Millions 3YO Field
The Karaka Millions 3YO field attracts a line-up of top-line two-year-old horses each season.
Nominations: 20 Jan 2026 12:00PM
Withdrawals: 21 Jan 2026 10:00AM
Riders: 21 Jan 2026 1:00PM
What are the popular betting markets for the Karaka Millions 3YO?
When it comes to betting on the Karaka Millions 3YO, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:
- Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.
- Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.
- Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.
How many fillies have won the Karaka Millions 3YO?
Since the year 2018 there have been six Karaka Millions 3YO winning fillies with: Probabeel (2020), Pin Me Up (2022), Prowess (2023), Orchestral (2024), Damask Rose (2025) and most recently Well Written (2026).
What races will runners out of the Karaka Millions 3YO target next?
Following a run in the Karaka Millions 3YO many horses will target upcoming summer features including the following month’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), the Group New Zealand Derby (2400m) in March back at Ellerslie, and fillies may also have the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Wellington in late March in their sights.
Plus, from 2025 onwards the brand-new $3.5 million The Kiwi (1500m) slot race at Ellerslie on Champions Day becomes an attractive target for horses out of the Karaka Millions 3YO field as the richest race for three-year-olds in the Southern Hemisphere.
Damask Rose (2025) was the first 3YO to complete the Karaka Millions 3YO – The Kiwi double.
In 2024 Orchestral completed the Karaka Millions 3YO – Avondale Guineas – New Zealand Derby treble.
For Karaka Millions 3YO graduates looking to head down under, there are plenty of Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival features including the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Syndey for fillies and even Randwick’s Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) in April.
Orchestral (2024) and Prowess (2023) both went on to win the Vinery Stud Stakes after success in the Karaka Millions 3YO.
Prowess also won the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) in between, a race now worth NZ $1 million and held at Ellerslie in early March.
Karaka Millions 3YO Barrier Draw
The Karaka Millions 3YO barrier draw and allocated Karaka Millions 3YO starting gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
The barrier draw for the Karaka Million 3YO race is a highly anticipated event. For the 2026 edition, the live barrier draw will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the New Zealand Bloodstock’s iconic Karaka Sales Centre. This event determines the starting positions for the horses, which can significantly impact their chances in the race.
The barrier draw is conducted in a unique format where connections of the horses drawn early get the opportunity to pick their preferred starting gate. This adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement leading up to the great race!
What are the most successful Karaka Millions barriers?
Barrier 10 has produced two Karaka Millions 3YO winners between 2018 and 2026 most recently Pin Me Up in 2022.
Barrier 12 is the widest gate to produce a Karaka Millions 3YO winner between 2018 and 2026 with Damask Rose in 2025.
Barrier 3 is the latest Karaka Millions 3YO winning barrier with Well Written in 2026.
Breakdown of winning Karaka Millions 3YO barriers between 2018-26:
Barrier 1 – 1 (latest Orchestral in 2024)
Barrier 2 – 0
Barrier 3 – 1 (latest Well Written in 2026)
Barrier 4 – 1 (latest Aegon in 2021)
Barrier 5 – 1 (latest Prowess in 2023)
Barrier 6 – 1 (latest Scot Base in 2018)
Barrier 7 – 1 (latest Probabeel in 2020)
Barrier 8 – 0
Barrier 9 – 0
Barrier 10 – 2 (latest Pin Me Up in 2022)
Barrier 11 – 0
Barrier 12 – 1 (Damask Rose in 2025)
Karaka Millions 3YO Form
We offer a complete Karaka Millions 3YO form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Karaka Millions 3YO field in addition to insider Karaka Millions 3YO racing tips and betting odds.
Our Karaka Millions 3YO form guides include:
- Karaka Millions 3YO race preview and predictions
- Racing analysis on the event and runners
- Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
- Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
- Runner commentary
Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in the Karaka Millions 3YO or you are an expert Karaka Millions 3YO tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO.
How to Read the Karaka Millions 3YO Form Guide
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to interpret a horse’s form and performance indicators when looking at this year’s Karaka Millions 3YO form guide:
- Recent Performances: Review the horse’s last few races, focusing on finish positions and the quality of competition faced.
- Track and Distance Records: Check the horse’s performance on similar track conditions and distances to gauge suitability.
- Jockey and Trainer Stats: Consider the success rates of the jockey and trainer combination, particularly in the Karaka Millions 3YO race.
- Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Karaka Millions 3YO, as this can impact performance.
- Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.
Karaka Millions 3YO Results
The Karaka Millions 3YO results are known when the event takes place in late January annually.
You can bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Karaka Millions 3YO markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Karaka Millions 3YO markets results entails picking the Karaka Millions 3YO winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Karaka Millions 3YO field with our Karaka Millions 3YO tips and form guide.
Other Karaka Millions 3YO race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Karaka Millions 3YO finishing order shows what position every horse in the field ran.
Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in the Karaka Millions 3YO results!
Karaka Millions 3YO exotic results show how all the exotic Karaka Millions 3YO bet types resulted like the Karaka Millions 3YO Quinella, Karaka Millions 3YO Exacta, Karaka Millions 3YO Trifecta, and Karaka Millions 3YO First Four.
Karaka Millions 3YO Jockeys
Securing a ride in the Karaka Millions 3YO field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around New Zealand and Australia. Winning this important summer race is a nice campaign goal for many of Australasia’s top riders looking to secure a big race trophy during the carnival.
What jockeys are riding in the Karaka Millions 3YO field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Karaka Millions 3YO jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
Matt Cartwright is the latest Karaka Millions 3YO winning jockey having ridden Well Written to victory in 2026.
James McDonald is the most successful Karaka Millions 3YO jockey since 2018 riding two winners with Long Leaf (2019) and Orchestral (2024).
Rosie Myers is the last Karaka Millions 3YO female winning jockey aboard Scott Base in 2018.
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the Karaka Millions 3YO horses this summer.
Karaka Millions 3YO Trainers
The most successful Karaka Millions 3YO trainers since 2018 are Roger James & Robert Wellwood who trained back-to-back winners with Prowess (2023) and Orchestral (2024), as well as fellow two-time winning horseman Jamie Richards whose victories came with Probabeel (2020) and Pin Me Up (2022).
Stephen Marsh is the latest Karaka Millions 3YO winning trainer having prepared Well Written to victory in 2026.
Karaka Millions 3YO Winners
Notable Karaka Millions 3YO winners throughout history include:
Probabeel (2019): Class mare Probabeel, who also won the previous year’s Karaka Millions 2YO, went on to win multiple Group 1 races in Australia, including the Epsom Handicap and the Futurity Stakes.
Aegon (2021): One of the better colts to hold out the fillies in the Karaka Millions 3YO, he also claimed victory in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas during his exciting three-year-old season. He went on to be competitive in Australia by winning the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.
Aegon was trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman and ridden by jockey Leith Innes for his biggest turf triumphs. His career earnings have surpassed NZ$1.9 million.
Prowess (2023): Prowess had an impressive but relatively short racing career, marked by several significant achievements including the Karaka Million 3YO Classic. She claimed her first Group 1 victory in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, a weight-for-age race over 2050 meters, and demonstrated her prowess internationally by winning the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill in Australia by an impressive 3-1/4 lengths. Despite an injury-plagued start to her four-year-old season, she managed to win the Group 2 Crystal Mile at The Valley on Cox Plate Day.
Unfortunately, Prowess’s career was cut short due to a degenerative hoof issue, which led to her retirement in December 20231. She was trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood and earned over NZ$1.5 million in prize money during her career.
Orchestral (2024): Orchestral became one of only five fillies to win the New Zealand Derby since 1982, with a dominant performance in 2024 during a hot streak as a gun three-year-old filly. She also claimed victory in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes in Australia. She was bred by Barneswood Farm and is a daughter of the champion Waikato Stud stallion Savabeel. Her career earnings have surpassed NZ$2 million, making her one of the elite racehorses from New Zealand. Orchestral returned on Karaka Millions Night in 2025 to win the Aotearoa Classic.
Damask Rose (2025): Damask Rose confirmed her class with a brilliant victory in the 2025 Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, going one better after finishing runner‑up in the 2YO edition the year prior, and the Savabeel filly has since built an impressive record with further black‑type success including the $3.5m NZB Kiwi 3YO (1500m), a Group 3 placing in the Gold Trail Stakes, and more than $2.2m in career earnings, cementing her status as one of Te Akau Racing’s standout performers of her generation.
Well Written (2026): Stephen Marsh’s classy Written Tycoon filly won the Karaka Millions 3YO in 2026 as the odds-on $1.20 favourite by a runaway six length margin continuing her outstanding record for a fifth straight win from as many starts. She previously won the NZ 1000 Guineas and Auckland Guineas in the summer of 2025 before going to another level in the Karaka Millions 3YO to stamp herself as the season’s spruik filly.
Bet on the next Karaka Millions 3YO winner with our comprehensive Karaka Millions 3YO form guide and expert Karaka Millions 3YO tips at the TAB NZ!
Past Karaka Millions 3YO Results
Karaka Millions 3YO winners, pedigree, jockeys, trainers, times, weights carried to victory, and placegetters dating back to the year 2018 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner (Weight) | Sire | Dam | Dam Sire | Jockey | Trainer/s | Time | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Well Written (55kg) | Written Tycoon | Mozzie Monster | Sebring | Matt Cartwright | Stephen Marsh | 1:35.00 | He Who Dares | La Dorada |
| 2025 | Damask Rose (55kg) | Savabeel | Sombreuil | Flying Spur | Blake Shinn | Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | 1:36.49 | Tuxedo | Dealt With |
| 2024 | Orchestral (55kg) | Savabeel | Symphonic (NZ) | O’Reilly | James McDonald | Roger James & Robert Wellwood | 1:33.31 | Pendragon | Just As Sharp |
| 2023 | Prowess (55kg) | Proisir | Donna Marie | Don Eduardo | Warren Kennedy | Roger James and Robert Wellwood | 1:35.34 (Held at Pukekohe) | Wild Night | Desert Lightning |
| 2022 | Pin Me Up (54.5kg) | Pins | Brampton Loco | O’Reilly | Sam Weatherley | Jamie Richards | 1:34.37 | Tutukaka | Karman Line |
| 2021 | Aegon (56.5kg) | Sacred Falls | Toss Up | Zabeel | Leith Innes | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | 1:33.78 | Amarelinha | Montre Moi |
| 2020 | Probabeel (54.5kg) | Savabeel | Far Fetched | Pins | Opie Bosson | Jamie Richards | 1:33.49 | Conqueror | Hasstobegood |
| 2019] | Long Leaf (56.5kg) | Fastnet Rock | Frustrating | Stravinsky | James McDonald | David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig | 1:35.1 | The Real Beel | Madison County |
| 2018] | Scott Base (56.5kg) | Dalghar | Extra Celestial | Danehill Dancer | Rosie Myers | Johno Benner & Hollie Wynyard | 1:33.43 | Embellish | Savvy Coup |
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