Richardson-Norvall stablemates primed for Karaka Millions 3YO

A stirring exhibition gallop has training partners Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall in a positive frame of mind as they put the final polish on Lollapalooza and Fleeting Star ahead of Saturday’s Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m).

The stablemates looked sharp as they reeled off 1000m on the upgraded soft 6 track in 1:01.56 and completed their hitout well-held with a final 600m in 34.98 at Te Rapa on Friday. 

“It was very good work and confirmed that they’re on target for Ellerslie,” Richardson said. “They’re both really fit, but I guess they need to be for what’s coming up.”

In her first start since finishing second to Well Written in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Lollapalooza filled the same place behind Tellum in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. 

“She has put together a very good record in all the big races but she’s still learning, so she’ll be wearing vizor blinkers on Saturday,” Richardson said. 

Fleeting Star followed her maiden win at Ellerslie in the second week of December with a strong third in the Eight Carat Classic, confirming that she also deserves her chance in Saturday’s $1.5 million feature.

“We’ve always rated Fleeting Star and just lately she has really come to it. Blinkers have worked well for her and she’ll have them on again.”