New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series All Set for Saturday

7 September 2005

There are just days to go until the contest commences for the country's top three year old filly. This season's stand-out performer will join the likes of Vapour Trail, Phillipa Rush, Savabeel's dam Savannah Success, Taatletail and last year's winner, Justa Tad, on the honours roll of the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

With the Series winner securing a prize of $15,000 for her winning owner, $5,000 for the winning trainer and $5,000 to the winning breeder, it is sure to be hotly contested throughout the country.

The Group 3 Highview Stakes will kick off this season's New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series as the action hots up on the second day of the Kelt Capital Spring Carnival on 17 September. The race will be run over 1200m for a stake of $50,000 and could give a deserving filly a head start in the running for this prestigious title.

The winner's circle at last year's Highview Stakes welcomed three fillies who went on to perform well throughout the summer with Eloa (Volksraad x Cent From Heaven), Clean Sweep (End Sweep x Eidercrown) and Sheka (Sandtrap x Lynsu) all finishing in the money.

This year's Series calendar has seen some changes as a result of the Championship Stakes being opened up to colts and geldings. To replace this race, Wellington Racing Club's Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) on 28 January will form part of the Series. In addition to the Desert Gold, Trentham will also play host to the pinnacle race of the Series, the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on the 18th March.

Another positive development for the Series has been announced by Manawatu Racing Club. Through the generous sponsorship of Palmerston North's Robertson Motors, they have been able to increase the purse for the Group 3 Robertson Motors Eulogy Stakes (1600m) from $50,000 to $60,000.

The Southern Filly of the Year Series will commence with the New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) on the 29th September.

For information on race dates, points and standings throughout the season check the Filly of the Year and Southern Filly of the Year pages on this website.