Eulogy Stakes Attracts Smart Fillies

9 December 2005

The fourth instalment of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series will take place at Manawatu tomorrow with the running of the $60,000 Group 3 Robertson Holden Eulogy Stakes (1600m).

The event has attracted a class line up headed by the Craig Thornton trained Missy Elliot (Magic of Sydney x Fiorino), who showed a return to form in her last start second over 1400 metres at Matamata on December 1. She will need to overcome an outside barrier.

Trainer Jan Hay has entered Southern visitor Smitten Kitten (Volksraad x Vanderbilt), who finished just behind the place getters in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 5. Smitten Kitten is already a winner of three races, including her last start.

The Graeme Rogerson and Stephen Autridge Stable have a two pronged attack on the race with talented filly Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar x Vegas Magic), and stable mate Cullcha (Cullen x Muchacha) giving last season's Champion Trainers a strong hand in the event. Vegas Showgirl is already a stakes winner over 1200 and 1400 metres.

Regally bred filly, Markisa (Danehill x Marquise), turned in an excellent performance last start at Te Rapa when breaking her maiden, while Ciara (O'Reilly x Kincia) and Ombre Rose (O'Reilly x Lady Chanele) are both last start winners.

In the race for the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year title, Vegas Showgirl is the lone contender in this race to have already accumulated points, currently sitting on four. With a win, Vegas Showgirl can come within two points of Filly of the Year point leader Seachange, who outlasted Vegas Showgirl in her last start.

To see the current points table, click here.

The points available for Saturday's Group 3 race are:

1st - 6 points

2nd - 3 points

3rd - 1.5 points