Scream Park on Trial for Karaka 3YO Million

Tara Madgwick - Thursday January 4
The Chris Waller-trained three-year-old Scream Park tackles the ATC Owners Benefit Card Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday in his final lead-up to the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in Auckland on January 27.

Scream ParkThe son of Ocean Park, purchased at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale for $185,000, has won his last two starts at Warwick Farm over 1400m and a mile respectively.

"Coming back in distance is the big query," Waller said.

"We want to switch him off and get him to relax because in three weeks' time he's likely to head to New Zealand for a million-dollar race.

"At his last two runs we've learnt nothing. One was a heavy track and he lead and last start he beat a three-horse field, where he did everything right, but I am not sure how strong the opposition were.

"He will get a true test here. We'd like to ride him a bit more conservatively from the outside gate and get in behind a few if we can."

Hugh Bowman will partner Scream Park (image Steve Hart) on Saturday in the A$100,000 contest for which he is a $3.20 favourite in the early market.

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – UK 2YO
Super interesting winner at Newmarket on Thursday was a Godolphin homebred two year-old colt by Wootton Bassett (GB) that won on debut and is on track for Royal Ascot.
Out of the Park strikes again
Just two months since her purchase off gavelhouse,com, Out of the Park has repaid her $14,000 purchase price and more after striking up two wins and a placing in just four starts.
Too Darn Hot SW for Legend Racing
The colours of Bon Ho and his Legend Racing were in the winner’s circle in the UK overnight with three year-old Too Darn Hot (GB) gelding Glittering Legend taking out the Listed Burradon Stakes (1m) at Newcastle.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
A busy set of trials at Warwick Farm on Thursday morning featured five heats for juveniles with winners including unraced youngsters by Zoustar, Hellbent and Bivouac.
New SW The Autumn Sun – Matusalem Wins Albury Cup
Several of the big Sydney stables dispatched runners south on Thursday for the $200,000 Listed Albury Gold Cup (2000m) and it was Chris Waller who got the cash with tough four year-old gelding Matusalem.
Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale - New Record Price - Yulong, Too Darn Hot Feature
The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale eclipsed its previous records for highest price, average and turnover with the second session headed by the 1,750,000 guineas sale of a colt by Havana Grey to Amo Racing and a further three lots realising in excess of 500,000 guineas.
New Ocean Park SW Brings Needed Joy for Cambridge Stud
In what has proved to be a tumultuous and tragic week for Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the victory of two-year-old filly Taroni and then underrated mare Pretty To Sea in the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie has brought a small measure of joy to the couple.
Oceanex Keeps the Ball Rolling for Ocean Park
Karaka 2017 graduate Oceanex (NZ) (Ocean Park) sent her value skyrocketing with a determined victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 TAB Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
Debut Winner for Ole Kirk
Ole Kirk unleashed another debut winner at Wyong on Thursday when Tiberius carried the Darby Racing colours to victory in a 1000m open maiden beating older rivals to become the tenth winner for his sire from just 17 starters!
Kiwi Bred Looking to Give Waller The Gong
The lure of a one million purse has been too attractive for leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller.