The $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) dream is well and truly alive for two big groups of owners following first-start victories by two-year-old fillies at Te Rapa and Tauherenikau last weekend.
Helena Bel (Hellbent) has moved straight into fifth place on the Karaka Millions order of entry following her debut victory in the $40,000 Sword Of State 2YO (1100m) at Te Rapa, while Le Zain Bolt (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) slotted into ninth spot when she won the $18,500 Waibuild 2YO (1000m) at Tauherenikau.
Henley Park offered Helena Bel during Book 1 of Karaka 2026, where Wexford Stables bought her for $100,000.
The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained filly showed promise in two trials before her debut at Te Rapa on Saturday, and she took another big step forward with a smart performance in her first raceday appearance.
Helena Bel was ridden by Corentin Berge against a four-horse field and settled in third place on the rail, in the slipstream of the front-running Damhot (NZ) (Too Darn Hot).
Berge switched across heels at the turn and pushed the button on Helena Bel, who clearly outsprinted her three rivals and drew away to win by two and three-quarter lengths.
With a perfect one-start, one-win record, Helena Bel has earned $23,000 for an ownership group that includes Rabbitohs Racing, BBF Syndicate and Lion Racing Ltd along with 20 other individuals.
“Helena Bel, our first two-year-old runner of the season, made the perfect start to her racing career,” Wexford Stables said on social media.
“A Karaka 2026 purchase, she's a naturally precocious filly the team have always held in high regard, and she certainly didn't disappoint, winning with ease at her first time of asking. A particularly special result for her syndicate of owners, including some enjoying their very first taste of racehorse ownership!”
Sunday brought more of the same at Tauherenikau with a first-up success by Le Zain Bolt, who was bought by Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos’ Game Lodge Ltd for only $15,000 from Cambridge Stud’s Book 2 draft at Karaka 2026.
Jockey Lily Sutherland took Le Zain Bolt back to settle in second-last among a five-horse field before finding a run one off the rail early in the home straight. Le Zain Bolt quickened stylishly and dashed through for a short-neck victory.
Le Zain Bolt has now earned $10,360 for the InToWin In Style Syndicate, managed by Tineke Balcombe, along with Ridge Rock Developments Ltd.
“What a way to kick off her racing career,” Game Lodge said on social media. “Le Zain Bolt made a winning debut in the 1000-metre two-year-old race.
“Purchased from Cambridge Stud at the Karaka Yearling Sales and syndicated in partnership with InToWin Syndications, this is an incredibly exciting result for everyone involved. With a fantastic mix of long-time supporters and first-time racehorse owners in the syndicate, it makes this win even more special!
“Beautifully ridden by Lily Sutherland, who gave her a lovely ride. A huge congratulations to all her owners and the team behind her. What a start to her career, and plenty to look forward to!”
Top spot on the order of entry still belongs to Queensland-based juvenile Iconic Scenes (NZ) (Better Than Ready), who earned A$73,300 from a debut win at Eagle Farm on October 24.
Aquila Veloce (Capitalist) is second with $37,900, followed by Zanardi (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) with $37,375 and Jenni In Rome (NZ) (Sword Of State) with A$35,000. Helena Bel rounds out the top five.
Sixth spot on the order of entry is filled by Nonu (NZ) (Anamoe) with A$22,400, while Super Accord (NZ) (Super Seth) and Ghost Gum (NZ) (Redwood) are the next two with earnings of $11,475 and A$10,800 respectively. Le Zain Bolt is ninth, and the final spot among the top 10 belongs to Pick Up Artist (Trapeze Artist) with $7,400.
The next chance for New Zealand two-year-olds to build their bank balance in the race to the Karaka Millions will be the $140,000 Group Three Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe on November 21.
