Talented three-year-old Harlech will likely have his last start in New Zealand this season when he lines-up in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained colt is set to head for a freshen-up after this weekend’s rich feature, having won two of his six starts this term and finishing runner-up in his four other contests.

The son of Darci Brahma took out the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) in October before finishing runner-up in his next three assignments, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) last start.

Gerard was pleased with his performance at Trentham on January 11 and believes the colt still has a fair bit of developing to do.

“I thought he ran super in the Levin Classic,” she said. “It’s just a little bit new to him ending up in front.

“Being a colt he just clocked off. He has always had outside draws and he has always come from the back and having something to chase.

“I just think he hit the front too soon and was probably just a bit complacent and got a bit lost. All credit to Travelling Light, she ran a super race and she just caught them napping.”

While always tipped to head to Australia at some stage this term Gerard alluded that this weekend’s race will likely be Harlech’s last in New Zealand.

“At this stage he is more than likely to head to the paddock after this run,” she said.

“We have got to keep everything open at the moment, but the Randwick Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) has always been the main plan for him.

“We will get through this race and see how he pulls up. He is a big colt, is still quite physically immature and it is really hard to make long-term plans when they are not quite there yet.”

Gerard said the Levin Classic run took its toll on Harlech, but he is now showing signs of his normal self.

“It’s a big trip down to Wellington and it’s always hard to get them to turn around and back up as quick as what they do,” she said.

“He was a bit quiet for a few days (after the Levin Classic), but I noticed this (Tuesday) morning he was really starting to come back to his usual self and is starting to get quite obnoxious again, so I am happy enough that he can take his place.”

Harlech was sold by The Oaks Stud through their 2018 Book 1 Draft at Karaka for $100,000 to Paul Moroney Bloodstock.   The Cambridge based farm will offer a full sister to Harlech on Sunday afternoon at Karaka (Lot 139).

-NZ Racing Desk