Queen of Diamonds (NZ) Shares Series Lead after Lowland Win

After Wednesday’s $100,000 Group 2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings, two fillies are deadlocked at the top of the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series points table with two races remaining.

The Lowland was impressively won by the blue-blooded Queen of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel), who was a $640,000 yearling purchase at the 2017 Premier Sale at Karaka. Previously the winner of the Eulogy Stakes, she collected another 8 points on Wednesday to move up to a total of 18.

She is now the equal leader alongside Imelda Mary (NZ) (Ferlax), whose third placing on Wednesday lifted her from 16 to 18 points.

Queen of Diamonds was clearly superior to a quality field in the Lowland, capitalising on a perfect run just behind the leaders and stamping her authority in the straight.

She hit the lead 250 metres from the finish and kicked away, crossing the line a length and a half ahead of the fast-finishing Shezathinka (So You Think) and Imelda Mary.

“She’s not very lucky with the draws, but she has got that tactical speed at the start,” jockey Matt Cameron said.

“She’s bred to do anything and I think the penny is just starting to drop. She has had a few runs and she did a few things wrong last start and the start before, but she’s up against big girls now and she is stepping up.”

Queen of Diamonds has now had eight starts for three wins, three placings and $163,175 in prize-money for owners the China Horse Club.

“There were a few handy fillies in behind her today, so that gives us a lot of positive thoughts heading forward,” co-trainer Andrew Forsman said.

Queen of Diamonds will now head towards the final leg of the Filly of the Year Series, the $400,000 Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 16.

In between times there is the ninth leg, the $70,000 Group 3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m), to be run at Ellerslie this Saturday.