Royal Run In New Zealand Bloodstock 2yo Fillies Stakes

Royal Babe was responsible for a minor upset in yesterday's New Zealand Bloodstock Two-year-old Fillies Stakes (1200m). The eleven dollar shot by Rory's Jester from Royal Snip surprised even her trainers Stephen and Trevor McKee when she got up to win over race favourite Darcybee (Fasliyev x Eminent Walk). The Listed event was the premier race at Avondale's Anzac meeting which was held at Ellerslie Racecourse.

Having her first start back from a short spell Royal Babe, ridden by Matthew Williamson, was handy throughout kicking clear of the field down the straight. Pacemaker, Darceybee, fought on gamely for second ahead of the fast finishing Pin High (Pins x Spring Reason).

Owners, Mark and Bobi Petch bought the filly's dam Royal Snip (Royal Academy) who is a stakes-placed winner out the class race mare Snippet's Girl (Snippets), a multiple stakes winner in Australia. Mark, twice New Zealand touring car Champion, is a member of the Counties Racing Club and has been asked to manage the car racing franchise the club has just taken over.

The filly can now look forward to a promising three-year-old season. �There are a couple of stakes races coming up she'll be aimed for,� said Trevor McKee.

The race was also the final fillies' jackpot for the Mercedes Super Bonus Scheme. The $50,000 bonus was not struck after the scratching of Triple Time left Goldsinga the only eligible runner. The last jackpot of the series will be run on May 22 at Taranaki J.C. The $50,000 jackpot is for colts and geldings.