curious

This Entain Edition comes to you hot off the back of the TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday, and what a meeting it proved to be. There was the perfect blend of outcomes – ranging from Australian-trained horses Dream Roca and Jigsaw winning to ensure the meeting stays on the radar of our Australian cousins, Well Written’s stunning six-length $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO victory, or the brilliant surface prepared by Jason Fulford and his team despite more than 150 millimetres of rain in the week prior. All those elements combined to contribute to a 5% increase in turnover through TAB and betcha on Saturday, compared to the 2025 TAB Karaka Millions. Notably, there were 35% more Australians betting on the meeting through Entain’s two Australian brands, as opposed to the 2025 meeting.

Karaka Millions day turnover up 5% on last year

I thought so too though didn't watch much live. Looked like a few at buyable prices too.

Looks like 75%+ again today which seems ok, though thought overall might have been a bit stronger.

Solid enough. You have to remember though that there were ~12% less horses catalogued and sold, so, effectively the top 90% cf. last year. That should help book 2 as well. Not quite an apples to apples comparison however, despite the spin.

TABCORP SuperTAB.

Has to be a lay at that price at this point?

Maybe in the spring. Doubt they'll go beyond a mile for now. The Doncaster makes much more sense though taking on the older horses in a handicap? $4m cf the Vinery at a questionable distance for 500k. No brainer?

17.5%

Yep. The day has to have a G1.

I have an average about 50% across books 1 and 2 the last couple of years.

Yes. I was agreeing with you!

Why would he have to set up in Oz to race one horse there?

Allowing for the fact that 3yos are still improving at this stage, do you think anything in that field would have challenged Tuxedo and Hinekaha?

That would be my bet too.

There is only one bonus. So, it can't be won in both those races. I doubt whether she has her first races here or in Oz next season will make a lot of difference to them that would be influenced by the stake money.

Yes they are. I'll post them when I get them. Great betting day, that's why Entain love them. Cost the industry a fortune though. Last I looked the winner was an Oz bred? I seriously doubt that the bonus will make any difference as to whether WW contests early spring races here. As I've also said, I'll wait and see if she is up to the Oz older horses.

I guess only time will tell about our age group races. Well Written maybe?

True. That said, they have minced a Group 1 race here which says what for the relative quality of our G1s?

That was Hesi's description, not mine.

How do you rate the fields quality now that those second and third tier Aussies have done their thing?

True. But why on earth would anyone want to stop the tide? The export business keeps the whole industry afloat. 50% of next weeks book 1/2 yearlings will be exported. Wouldn't you want to support it?

Due to the current unavailability of Awapuni Racecourse for racing the following licence and venue transfers for the current season have been approved by the TAB Dates Committee. Datehttps://bitofayarn.com Current Confirmed Licence and Venuehttps://bitofayarn.com Sunday 1 March Marton JC @Awapuni Wellington RC @Trentham Thursday 5 March Taranaki Racing @New Plymouth https://bitofayarn.com Wairarapa RC @Tauherenikau Saturday 7 March Wellington RC @Trentham Taranaki Racing @New Plymouth Wednesday 18 March Rangitikei RC @Awapuni Waverley RC @Waverley Saturday 28 March https://bitofayarn.com Manawatu RC @Awapuni Manawatu RC @Trentham Monday 6 April Manawatu RC @Awapuni Wanganui JC @Whanganui Friday 17 April Wanganui JC @Whanganui Egmont RC @Hawera Saturday 18 April Manawatu RC @Awapuni Wanganui JC @Whanganui Friday 24 April https://bitofayarn.com Feilding JC @Awapuni Otaki-Māori RC @Otaki Sunday 3 May Otaki-Māori RC @Otaki Wairarapa RC @Tauherenikau Saturday 9 May Wellington RC @Trentham Waverley RC @Waverley Saturday 16 May Rangitikei RC @Awapuni Otaki-Māori RC@Otaki Saturday 4 July https://bitofayarn.com Marton JC@Awapuni TBC