Racing: Derby hopes as Scott Base freezes out $1m Classic rivals

Rosie Myers powers home on Scott Base in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic at Ellerslie on Saturday evening. Photo / Trish Dunell

Vespa, Humidor and Saturday night's Karaka Million 3YO Classic winner Scott Base have been financially life changing for trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard.

Vespa won the 2-year-old version of the Karaka Million a few years ago and another million dollar pot was secured with Scott Base's astonishing victory.

Despite the elevated bank balance for the pair of 30-year-olds, they are trying to keep the lid on things.

There should be a law against being in bed prior to midnight when you win a million dollar race, but Benner swears he achieved it. "Yeah, I had two hamburgers and went to bed with a glass of water," he told the Herald as he inspected yearlings at Karaka yesterday morning.

The Karaka 3YO Classic was spectacular in more ways than just Scott Base's almost impossible performance. The final 350m was more like a stockcar race - Leith Innes was suspended for 12 racedays for allowing pacemaking Ever Loyal to drift out to almost the middle of the track and Cameron Lammas copped a 13 raceday suspension for causing interference on Hard Merchandize.

The worst affected in the home straight was Kapoor, who was squeezed up then turned almost sideways when Ever Loyal ran out and Scott Base, finishing fast down the outside, pushed Savvy Coup down onto Kapoor. Connections of Kapoor lodged a protest against second-placed Embellish, which was dismissed, and against third-placed Ever Loyal, which was upheld.

None of that detracted from the value of Scott Base's effort. The handsome chestnut landed at $22, but you could have got $80 and better when he was giving the favourite Embellish 12 lengths on the home bend.

"I told Rosie (Myers) not to panic that there would be plenty of pace on and that they'll come back to you. "He screams Derby," says Benner. "It's written all over him. We'll go to the Avondale Guineas and into the Derby. The good bit is if there is any rain around it won't worry him."

The Dalgar 3-year-old was purchased by one of his owners Chris Rutton, who breaks in horses and pinhooks from his Te Horo property. Vespa was a previous sales selection.

"Chris clearly has a very good eye for a horse - his record is outstanding." So, have there been offers? "They've been trying to buy him all the way through, but with a million dollar Derby just around the corner there won't be any business being done in the immediate future."

Embellish's effort was excellent, but he was beaten by an extraordinary performance. Savvy Coup, running right-handed for the first time, did well to finish a close fourth, promoted to third. Hugh Bowman was suspended for eight race days after finishing a close second on Five To Midnight behind Charles Road in the $200,000 City Of Auckland Cup.

Comin'through was good in finishing third and the disappointment was the favourite Von Tunzelman.

Follow these:

• Kapoor: Knocked sideways in the straight in the Karaka Classic. Top chance by Oaks time.

• Danzdanzdance: Came from a distant last with a huge finish in the Classic.

• Astor: No chance with Melody Belle, but won't be often clashing with her.

• Sultan Of Swing: Eye-catching run just behind the placegetters in the Concorde.

• Lewis Carroll: Not far away in the sprint and is eligible for something a little easier.

• Bocce: Third in the Million and on the up and up.

Disappointing:

• Von Tunzelman: Never looked likely in the City Of Auckland Cup.

Did it all wrong:

• Merlini: has a fair bit of mental maturing to achieve.