New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2020-21 Filly of the Year Series showcased the class and superiority of standout filly Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel), who went undefeated through four appearances in the coveted race Series last season.
Bought for $300,000 from Waikato Stud’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2019 by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis, Amarelinha finished the NZB Filly of the Year Series with 34 points – 19 clear of her nearest rival. Overall, she has won five of her eleven starts, placing in the other two and earning A$533,036 for the Te Akau Hopskip’n’jump Syndicate.
The winner of the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Group Two David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and Group Three Sunline Vase (2100m) earlier in the NZB Filly of the Year Series, Amarelinha carried her dominance all the way up to an elite level in the Series finale, the $400,000 Group One Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.
On Tuesday 14 December, connections to Amarelinha were awarded the prestigious title by NZB’s Kane Jones at Matamata Racecourse, with her purchaser David Ellis, trainer Jamie Richards, breeder Waikato Stud’s Mark Chittick and owners from the Te Akau Hopskip’n’jump Syndicate all present for the momentous occasion.
Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis commented on Amarelinha’s award.
“On behalf of the fantastic team that raced this exciting mare, we’d all like to thank the team at New Zealand Bloodstock and pass on our great appreciation.”
“It doesn’t go unnoticed the huge amount that NZB puts back into the industry, the owner has already received a $30,000 cash bonus, the breeder a $10,000 cash bonus and the trainer a $10,00 cash bonus.
“This makes the Filly of the Year Series such an iconic part of the New Zealand racing calendar, and it’s just such a thrill for us to be involved with the company,” Ellis said.
Trainer Jamie Richard’s was delighted with the recent success Te Akau Racing has had with progeny of Savabeel in past seasons.
“David bought her at Karaka from Waikato Stud, and we’ve had so much success with their horses and the progeny of Savabeel. We train this filly for a great group of owners, and I’m really thrilled for everyone involved, he said.”
Amarelinha is the sixth NZB Filly of the Year in the last 15 years for the powerful Te Akau Racing stable, following on from Costa Viva (Encosta de Lago), King’s Rose (Redoute’s Choice), Insouciant (NZ) (Keeper), Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago) and Shikoba (NZ) (Chief Bearhart).
The 2021-22 NZB Filly of the Year Series is currently underway, with the fifth leg, the $120,000 Group Two Jamison Park Eight Carat Classic (1600m) set to take place on Boxing Day (26 December 2021) at Ellerslie Racecourse.
