Secret Allure (NZ) Takes NZB Airfreight Stakes, but Emily Margaret (NZ) Clinches Title

Local heroine Emily Margaret (NZ) (Pins) has clinched the title of 2018-19 New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year, despite being upstaged by North Island visitor Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto) in Saturday’s third leg – the $50,000 Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.

Riccarton-trained Emily Margaret went into the race with a commanding lead in the Series, earning the perfect score of 14 points with victories in the New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) and NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m).

But Saturday’s 1600-metre distance was at the upper limit of Emily Margaret’s capabilities, and it was right up Secret Allure’s alley.

Emily Margaret burst out of the starting gates and tried to dominate the race from the front, opening up a six-length lead down the side of the track.

Meanwhile Secret Allure, who sat second-last in the early part of the race, made a rapid move into second around the home turn and set her sights on the leader.

Emily Margaret never gave up down the straight in a brave performance, but Secret Allure surged past her and went clear to win by a length and three-quarters. Our Hail Mary (NZ) (Ocean Park) finished another two and a half lengths away in third.

The Lisa Latta-trained Secret Allure was ridden to victory on Saturday by leading jockey Lisa Allpress.

Secret Allure earned 7 points in the NZB Southern Filly Series, going straight into second place on the table.

Emily Margaret collected another 4 points, moving up to an unassailable total of 18 with only one leg remaining – the $50,000 Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton next Saturday.

Secret Allure, bred by Canterbury’s Inglewood Stud, was a $36,000 purchase at the 2017 Select Sale at Karaka.

She has now had 15 starts for four wins, five placings and $167,850 in stakes for owners Andrew Rennie, Trevor Tomlins, Peter Finlayson, Kevin Dixon, Milton Passey, Debra Masters and Lisa Latta.

Secret Allure is now a three-time stakes winner, having previously won the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton and the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

Runner-up Emily Margaret, bought for $55,000 at the 2017 Select Sale, has now earned $161,625 with four wins and five placings from 13 starts.

Third-placed Our Hail Mary was a $35,000 purchase at the 2017 Premier Sale.