Trainer Stephen McKee likes chances of Star Treasure in Karaka Million

Star Treasure takes out the Auckland Co-Op Taxis Juvenile at Ellerslie, ridden by Oppie Bosson. Photo/Trish Dunell

Stephen McKee's chances of defending his Karaka Million title were given a significant boost at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

The Ardmore trainer produced Xiong Feng to win the country's richest two-year-old race last season and Star Treasure, who is from the same family and who races in similar ownership, will represent the stable in the Listed feature on January 29.

"Hopefully, we can all get another result," McKee said.

Star Treasure, whose half-sister by Pins (Lot 820) will be offered by Monovale Farm at Karaka in 2017, was making his third race-day appearance, when he powered to victory under rider Opie Bosson in Monday's Auckland Co-Op Taxis Juvenile.

The Lonhro colt had finished third on debut at Ellerslie, before a tactical change back-fired, when he ran fifth at his previous appearance.

"We rode him handy at Pukekohe, where he drew one," said McKee. "He's a very long-legged horse and it probably wasn't the right thing to do."

"I told Opie to ride him a bit colder today. He's a smart colt and he won't need to run again before the Million."

Star Treasure settled back of midfield from a wide barrier and he lengthened stride impressively in the straight to win going away by three quarters of a length.

"He's a good colt and I had a lap full of horse turning for home," Bosson said.

Favourite Haussman gave a bold account of himself on debut to finish runner-up, after hitting the front 250 metres from home.

Kapoor ran third ahead of Sophie's Choice, who was forced to cover extra ground from her outside barrier.

- NZ Racing Desk