Final Race In Fillies Series Set To Sizzle

26 February 2003

The final race in the 2002-03 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series takes place this Saturday with the running of the Gr.2 Fayette Park Championship Stakes ($100,000, 2100m) at Ellerslie.

The final result of the Series will be determined by the performance of the Jim Gibbs trained filly Lafleur (Zabeel x Desert Lily) who with 16 points on the table only requires 5 more to take the title from the current leader Bramble Rose (Shinko King x Images) who will not compete in Saturday's race. If Lafleur runs second on Saturday she will share the title with Bramble Rose on 20 points.

Others in the field who could deny Lafleur the Filly of the Year title include the likes of Raspberry Ripple (Quest For Fame x Unbeleevable) an unlucky runner in her last start after being checked, and Fei Lung (Volksraad x Rice Bowl) who flew home for fourth at her last outing.

The Stephen & Trevor McKee trained runner Belle Femme (Zedative x Cast Your Fate) could also be in the finish. Like Raspberry Ripple, Belle Femme also suffered a check in her last start leading to a disappointing result after having 2 wins in concession at previous starts.

The field for Saturday's Fayette Park Championship Stakes is as follows

1) 6082 Adesso (15)
2) 10110 Belle Femme (AUS) (7)
3) 52 Etoile Du Nord (11)
4) 61104 Fei Lung (3)
5) 15169 Gypsy Babe (10)
6) 58141 Lafleur (13)
7) 64276 Raspberry Ripple (AUS) (6)
8) 3333 She's News (AUS) (2)
9) 01443 Showgirl (5)
10) 42926 Sunday Whisper (AUS) (9)
11) 745 Sutology (12)
12) 96418 Sweet Torque (4)
13) 41320 Vanessatheundressa (14)
14) 74613 Volente Deo (1)
15) 46957 Volksini (8)

The points for the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year currently stand as follows

Bramble Rose 20
The Jewel 19
Lafleur 16
Volksini 10.5
Natalie Wood 8
Chestpeak 7
Danceinthesun 6
Gypsy Babe 6
Molly Dot Com 6
Milzeel 4
Penny Gem 4
Lady Annaliese 3.5
Bailey's On Ice 3
Country Class 3
Original Sin 2
Charmaine 1.5
Midnight Call 1.5
Savuka 1.5
Florida 1


The 2002-2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series can be followed by viewing www.nzb.co.nz where the points table for each series is regularly updated after each race. For further information please contact Taryn Bax at New Zealand Bloodstock on (09) 298 0055 or Email [email protected] .