Sydney next for Karaka Million winner

The Golden Slipper in Sydney remains on the table for New Zealand 2yo filly Probabeel.

New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards has confirmed exciting two-year-old Probabeel will next race in the Group Three Magic Night Stakes in Sydney.

The winner of last month’s Karaka Million (1200m) is being aimed at the Group One Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on April 6, three weeks after the Magic Night Stakes (1200m).

Richards says the filly’s owners, Cambridge Stud proprietors Brendan and Jo Lindsay, are keeping their options open on a start in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill on March 23.

“She had ten days in the paddock after the Karaka Million and really thrived,” Richards told NZ Racing Desk.

“She has come back looking a picture so we’re really excited to be able to confirm where she will be going next.

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“Her main aim is the Sires’ in early April so we will head across before then for a lead-in to that in the Magic Night Stakes in March.

“At this stage the Golden Slipper is still a possibility but Brendan just wants to keep his options open around that one.”

The 29-year-old Richards racked up his 50th stakes win as a trainer with Melody Belle’s Group One win in the BCD Group Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Richards is in his first full season in sole charge of the Te Akau Racing team after beginning his career in partnership with Stephen Autridge.

“I wasn’t actually aware of it so, if that is correct, then I’m certainly pleased to reach that mark at this stage of my career,” he said.

“My focus is on the horses that we prepare and I guess if I’m doing my job properly then those type of records become a bonus along the way.”