Aegon, one of two pre-race favourites, won Saturday’s Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie with a superb ride.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained horse was one of two to dominate the build-up and started as second favourite at $2.60, while Amarelinha started as the $2.10 favourite – the only two horses in single figures.

The pair spent the majority of the race in the midfield before making their move as they turned onto the straight. They matched each other side by side but Amarelinha appeared to edge in front before Aegon lifted again and snatched victory by a head.

“It’s a big thrill,” Baker said. “We’ve been very patient with this horse, and the staff at home have done a great job with him. It’s also a big achievement for my training partner Andrew, who selected him at the yearling sales.

“He’d never been tried right-handed before, but he was given a great ride from Leith Innes today and he’s delivered on a big stage.”

The race kick-starts the three-day long Karaka Yearling Sales at the Karaka Bloodstock Centre.