NZB Southern Filly Series Down to the Wire
2 May 2008
A closely contested New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series climaxes tomorrow at Riccarton Park with the final race of the four-race Series, the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m).
Set to jump as race seven at 2.25pm, a field of 16 will vie for the Warstep's $55,000 purse, with seven points on offer for first, three for second and one for third.
Two winners of previous races in the Series, The Pearler (Volksraad x The Freckle by Grosvenor) and Thimble (Pins x Exposed by Exploding Prospect) are starters on Saturday. Both have seven points from their respective wins while Belmont Cat (Felix the Cat x Morgan Glory by Justice Prevails) has six points from two second placings and Dream By Day (City On A Hill x Russian Slice by Godswalk) also has a chance with a point from her third placing in the NZB Airfreight Stakes on April 19th.
Fourth in the NZB Airfreight Stakes, Anzali (Zabeel x Danazia by Danehill) could be a threat, having already placed over the 2000 metres with wins over a mile and 1800 metres. She is trained by Mark Walker and will be ridden by Jamie Bullard. Walker will also saddle Fleur De'Here (Dehere x Fleur de Chine by Centaine) to be ridden by Leith Innes.
Mandy and Matt Brown's hope, Copybook (Anabaa x Calm Smytzer by Zabeel), finished almost three lengths off The Pearler for fifth in the NZB Airfreight Stakes and has the services of Michael Walker from barrier six.
After a successful day's racing at Trentham last week with three winners, Lisa Latta is represented by the highly regarded Princess Annaliese (Van Nistelrooy x My Funny Face by Marscay). Already stakes-placed, the filly was fourth in the Group 1 NZ Oaks, just one-and-a-half lengths behind Boundless, who was the closest of seconds in the Group 1 AJC Oaks on Wednesday.
Fifth in the NZ Oaks and from the stable of last week's Group 1 AJC Australian Derby winner Nom du Jeu, the Murray Baker-trained Vickezzchardonnay (Don Eduardo x Our Rosalee by Conquistarose) will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley. More than capable over the 2000 metres, she raced well last week for a second at Te Rapa over this trip.
Also proven over the distance is the Michael Pitman-trained Governor Bay (Deputy Governor x The Essence by Voltage Park). Starting from barrier 16, she will be ridding by Danielle Johnson.
Kelly Myers will ride the winner of two, Kerrina (Lord Ballina x Naiades by Beufort Sea), for this year's NZ Derby winning trainer, Kevin Myers. She won her last start on 24 April at Blenheim and carries more wet track form than most in the race.
The field is completed by Princesa (Don Eduardo x Pines Princess by Bluebird), Music City (City On A Hill x Right Tune by Green Desert), Josie Rules (Viking Ruler x Mary Josephine by Random Chance), Summer Heights (Stark South x Fairy Heights by Tristrams Heritage) and Keep It Quiet (Keeper x Royal Sirt by Sir Tristram).
Last year the Steve Anderton-trained Grace Park (Danske x Stella Stargazer by Volksraad) took out the prestigious Series title with a win in the NZB Airfreight Stakes and a second in the NZB Insurance Stakes. The 2005-06 winner, Ombre Rose (O'Reilly x Lady Chanele by Citidancer) has had a successful season this year, heading North to record placings in the Group 1 First Sovereign Trust NZ Stakes and the Group 1 Whakanui Stud International Stakes.