First Stamina Test for NZB Filly of the Year Contenders

Media Release - Thursday December 30

The new year brings a new challenge for this season’s New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year contenders, who will stretch out beyond 1600 metres for the first time in Saturday’s sixth leg of the series – the $120,000 Group Two Valachi Downs Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.

The New Year’s Day feature has drawn a talented field, including three black type performers who have already picked up points through the first half of the 2021-22 NZB Filly of the Year Series.

The High Priestess (NZ) (Reliable Man) and Princess Lowry (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) earned 4 and 2 points respectively with their second and third placings in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day, while Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) placed in the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) earlier in the season and has 3 points to her name.

Another four fillies in the field are last-start winners including the Jamie Richards-trained Outfit (NZ) (Tivaci) and Self Obsession (NZ) (Shocking), and many others have shown bright promise in their short careers to date.

Advertisement

The winner of the Valachi Downs Royal Stakes will earn 8 points in the NZB Filly of the Year Series, with 4 points for second and 2 for third.

The Valachi Downs Royal Stakes will be run as Race 5 on Saturday with a start time of 2.43pm.

Advertisment

More Reading...

Tuxedo Wins $1million G3 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic - Half-Brother K1

The addition of blinkers and a super ride by Opie Bosson resulted in Tuxedo taking out the first $1 million race on Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie, the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m).

Kiwi Bred Anemacore Strikes in Listed Sunshine Coast Cup

Letham Stud stallion Unusual Suspect was credited with his second stakes winner when Anemacore lived up to his long-held potential and pre-race favouritism with victory in Saturday’s A$160,000 Listed Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m).

El Roca Filly Dream Roca Gives Birchley Third Karaka Million Victory

Queensland trainer Liam Birchley continued his great association with the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) when recording his third win in the juvenile feature at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Yulong Invest in Another Star Kiwi Filly

Yulong Investments have furthered their position among New Zealand’s racing ranks this week with the purchase of eye-catching Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) winner Ohope Wins.

Belle Cheval Wins G3 Almanzor Trophy - Half-Brother for K1

NZB Kiwi slot holder The King’s Men had massive grins on their faces following Belle Cheval’s victory in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Sires With Winners - Saturday January 24

Here is the full list of 99 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.

Space Rider Wins G3 Manfred Stakes – Stakes Double for Zoustar

Good looking Zoustar colt Space Rider has always shown glimpses of serious talent and kicked off his autumn campaign with a first up win in the $200,000 Group III Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Sires With Winners - Friday January 23

Here is the full list of 68 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.

Kinnaird Looking to Extend Te Akau Dominance

The Karaka Millions twilight meeting is always a key focus for Te Akau Racing, and they are set to have another strong hand in this year’s edition.

Way To The Stars Secures Second Stakes Victory

Scratched from Friday night’s Listed Goldmarket at the Gold Coast, trainer Matthew Smth made the right decision, sending his 7yo Reward For Effort gelding Way To The Stars down to Victoria for the Listed MRC W.J. Adams Stakes (1000m).