Reputabelle Shoots for History in NZB Southern Filly Victory Lap

Media Release - Thursday April 21

Already guaranteed the title of New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year for 2021-22, Reputabelle (NZ) (Pins) will try to take her dominant campaign into rare territory in Saturday’s $60,000 Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton. 

Reputabelle

Outstanding wins in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) and Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) have thrust Reputabelle into a commanding lead on the NZB Southern Filly Series points table with 14 points. With 7 points available for winning each race, the only other filly within reach is Art De Triomphe (NZ) (Vadamos), who is not contesting Saturday’s fourth and final leg.

While the Warstep Stakes is now effectively a Southern Filly Series victory lap for Reputabelle, a shot at a rare achievement adds plenty of interest to the 2000-metre feature.

In the 22 years that New Zealand Bloodstock has sponsored the Southern Filly Series, only one horse has ever completed a clean sweep of the NZB Airfreight Stakes, NZB Insurance Stakes and Warstep Stakes – Madam Victoria (NZ) (High Chaparral) in 2014.

Reputabelle has the right credentials to join that exclusive club, having scored highly impressive wins in all of her last four starts, and trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman expect her to relish the step up to 2000 metres this weekend.

Advertisement

But, as always with the NZB Southern Filly Series, there are plenty of high-quality fillies standing in the favourite’s way.

Unusual Countess (NZ) (Unusual Suspect) and Divine Sava (NZ) (Savabeel) ran big races for second and third placings in the NZB Insurance Stakes and are dangers again on Saturday, while the likes of Belle Of The Ball (NZ) (Savabeel), Burgie (NZ) (Ghibellines) and Pickens (NZ) (Belardo) produced eye-catching performances just behind the placegetters and are likely to appreciate the extra distance.

Classic Diva (NZ) (Proisir), meanwhile, backs up from a smart win against older mares in the Francolin Stakes (1400m) at Riverton on Monday.

The New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes will be run as Race 8 at Riccarton on Saturday, with a start time of 3.04pm.

Advertisment
More Reading...
People at Karaka
The 100th New Zealand National Yearling Sale kicks off on Sunday at Karaka and Maree McEwan has been out talking to some optimistic vendors and looking for their highlights.
Hedged Wins G2 Australia Stakes – Track Record
A stakes-winner at Sandown on Boxing Day and then down the track at his next start when unplaced, connections elected to ‘roll the dice’ on talented Capitalist sprinter Hedged and give him his shot in the $350,000 Group II MVRC Australia Stakes (1200m) and were well rewarded.
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.
Lindsay Park Flying Ahead of Kiwi Target Races
First-time travellers Arkansaw Kid and Torture will fly the Lindsay Park flag at Ellerslie with a third member of the party to be on hand for the defence of a stable title early next month.
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.
First NH G1 Winner Ghaiyyath – Opera Ballo Wins Jebel Hatta
2020 European Horse of the Year Ghaiyyath (IRE) got his first Group I winner in Australia last spring in Victoria Derby hero Observer and had his second overnight when Opera Ballo took the G1 Jebel Hatta (1m1f), while the other G1 on the card at Meydan also had a winner of serious interest for a different reason.
Hello Youmzain 2YO Set to Star for Sharrock
Saturday is shaping to be a busy day for Allan Sharrock, with stakes assignments both at home and away for the New Plymouth trainer.
First Stakes Success For Spirit Of Boom Mare Liquor
The outsider of four runners in Friday night’s Listed GCTC Goldmarket (1100m) for Queensland’s Champion trainer Tony Gollan, 6yo Spirit Of Boom mare Liquor gave nothing else a chance, charging clear after leading throughout to record her first black type victory.
I Am Invincible Half-Sister To G1 Winner Manaal Breaks Maiden
Fourth on debut back in August, Michael Freedman’s 3yo I Am Invincible filly Rajwa was required to fight late, but the half-sister to G1 winner Manaal (Tassort) had too much in hand, breaking her maiden at Canterbury on Friday night for breeder/owner Emirates Park.