Horse Dealt With Secures Spot in Karaka Millions

The unbeaten 3-year-old gelding Dealt With earned a place in next weekend’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO with a dramatic win in the Elsdon Park 1400 at Pukekohe on Sunday. The son of Ace High, trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, showed promise and determination, but not without a thrilling moment that made for a nerve-wracking finish.

Dealt With had previously impressed with a solid debut win at Te Aroha earlier this month. Though still learning the ropes, the gelding’s first outing showcased his potential, and by stepping up to open an age-group company at Pukekohe, he was viewed as a strong contender. Going into the race as the narrow $3.20 favorite, expectations were high for another solid performance, and the horse didn’t disappoint.

From barrier three, Dealt With quickly settled into the lead, with jockey George Rooke in control. The pair set the pace, and Dealt With was able to dictate proceedings in the early stages. Elegant Jazz tracked just to his outside, but as the field entered the final stretch, Dealt With kicked away from the competition, opening up a comfortable margin. It looked as though the race was all but decided.

But, just when it looked so certain to bag a routine victory, disaster nearly struck. As Dealt With approached the dying 100m, he suddenly shied and ran off the course, causing Rooke to topple off balance. In a split second, the ostracized Frenchman was booted off his seat, leaving all prospective awards unclaimed. The tension was palpable as Dealt With continued down the straight, but Rooke managed to regain his position and guide the horse back on course.

In a display of skill and composure, Rooke regained control of the horse and steered him across the line, winning by three-quarters of a length over First Dance, who had charged home in the closing stages. Dealt With crossed the line in 1:22.19, maintaining his unbeaten record and confirming his place among New Zealand’s rising stars.

After the race, Wellwood expressed both relief and pride in Dealt With’s performance. While admitting that the race had been more dramatic than anticipated, he was still full of praise for the young horse.

“It was looking pretty good, then it looked pretty scary for a minute there,” Wellwood said. “But still, it was very impressive. He’s got a lot to learn, but to win a race like that with things to figure out, it’s exciting to think about his future. He’s a big, strong horse, and he knows how to get himself in the right spot during the race. That’s a big advantage.”

Despite the scare, Wellwood was confident about Dealt With’s development. The gelding’s ability to perform under pressure showed that he is already learning and maturing quickly. However, the trainers hope that as the horse continues to gain experience, he will begin to make his races look a little easier.

The $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO, set to take place next Saturday at Ellerslie, had been on the radar for Dealt With even before Sunday’s race. Following his victory, the focus now shifts toward preparing the gelding for the prestigious event, provided he recovers well from this run.

“We’ve got a few options in front of us, but with a race worth a million and a half just six days away, that’s a big factor,” Wellwood explained. “If Dealt With comes through this well and we get feedback from George that he can handle a mile, we’ll be looking at the Karaka Millions 3YO.”

Wellwood’s comments suggest that the trainers are considering the possibility of running Dealt With in the race, but they are also keeping their options open. If the gelding doesn’t run in the Karaka Millions, the team is prepared to give him one more race in February before aiming for the newly introduced NZB Kiwi, which will be held in March at Ellerslie racecourse events.

James and Wellwood have enjoyed great success in the Karaka Millions 3YO, winning the last two editions with Prowess (2023) and Orchestral (2024). With Dealt With now in the mix, there’s a strong chance that the duo could secure another victory in the prestigious race. However, they are also eyeing the NZB Kiwi, a new $3.5 million race set to debut on March 8 at Ellerslie. The gelding’s strong showing in the Elsdon Park 1400 suggests he could be a strong contender for both Ellerslie racecourse events.

While the team remains focused on the immediate future, Dealt With’s performance on Sunday demonstrated that he is a horse to watch in the coming months. Whether in the Karaka Millions 3YO or the NZB Kiwi, the gelding’s combination of talent and determination make him a promising prospect for New Zealand racing’s biggest Ellerslie racecourse events.

As James and Wellwood continue to develop their young star, Dealt With will likely remain at the center of attention in the lead-up to his next big challenge. His dramatic victory on Sunday only adds to the excitement surrounding his future, and racing fans across New Zealand will be eagerly awaiting his next appearance on the track.