For those looking for a succinct summary of the result in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie, the answer was very simple – Well Written first, daylight second.
The unbeaten daughter of Written Tycoon was not just a red-hot favourite for the event, she was the horse that so many of the massive on-course crowd had specifically come to see, and she didn’t disappoint as she let rip with 200m to run and simply powered away from a quality field to win by an ever increasing six-length margin.
Trainer Stephen Marsh has made no secret of the fact the filly could be the best horse he has ever trained and Well Written is living up to that mantle with five victories in a row, including four at stakes level.
Marsh had admitted he had been nervous when his charge resumed at Ellerslie on Boxing Day in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and had cause to be as she won but not in her normal dominant fashion.
That however was just the prelude to the first of two enormous target races and she stripped much fitter for this assignment in the hands of regular pilot Matt Cartwright.
Brilliantly away to lead clearly from barrier three, Cartwright eased the filly back as Fleeting Star and He Who Dares took up pacemaking duties.
The legion of supporters on the $1.50 Fixed Odds favourite had cause from concern when Cartwright found himself in a pocket approaching the home turn, although he was tracking second favourite La Dorada into contention.
Cartwright forced his way clear at the 250m and in a twinkling of an eye Well Written burst away and put the result beyond doubt before receiving a massive round of applause as she hit the finish line.
Cartwright’s assessment of the effort summed the victory up perfectly.
“The best horse I have ever ridden, this horse is an absolute weapon,” he said.
“It’s so exciting as we got the right run, we got through and wow I nearly fell off the back of her.
“She was very keen today but I have always wanted to ride her with cover as she just drops her head relaxes and shows that good turn of foot.
“I think we have seen a very special win today. I’m speechless and I think she is right up to Australia’s best.”
Marsh was suitably relaxed despite the pressure of preparing a filly as good as Well Written.
“Everything went well although we probably got back a length further than I wanted,” Marsh said.
“I thought she paraded so well today as I was a shade of green before last start, but I was relatively relaxed today and we have just seen something pretty special.”
Marsh also praised Cartwright for his handling of the filly as he has repaid his faith in having him aboard the now $1 million earner.
“People have asked me how good is she and I just hope she keeps improving the way she has, as it is very exciting.
“I always say to Matt don’t panic, have faith in yourself and the horse and if you are going well on one with this ability it will happen (winning).
“He didn’t panic and that is what I like about him.
“This makes me feel bloody good and this is why we do it, why we get out of bed and I just love seeing the owners and everyone so excited.
“You will now see her in the Kiwi next.”
Marsh was referring to the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) that will be run at Ellerslie on March 7.
Marsh and his bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson paid a sale-topping $80,000 to buy Well Written from Brighthill Farm’s draft in the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus.
Marsh’s large syndicate of owners that originally raced Well Written all sold down their share after she scored a seven-length victory in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), with major international player Yulong Investments coming into the ownership before she took out the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November.
Her five race victories have rewarded her connections to the tune of $1,4 million in prizemoney.
Well written started life in Victoria at Lemrac Lodge and was the result of a foal share mating between Written Tycoon shareholder Sheriff Iskander and Victorian breeder David Digney.
She was sold as a weanling at Inglis Great Southern in the Lemrac Lodge draft and bought by Foxhill Thoroughbreds for $32,500 and is the first foal of stakes-placed Sebring mare Mozzie Monster, a daughter of Group III winner Valentine Miss.
Mozzie Monster has no yearling for the sales this year, but foaled last spring producing a colt by Nicconi and then unfortunately missed to Written Tycoon.
- LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
