Competition Hotting Up In Filly Series

The competition for the coveted title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year is hotting up after the running of the eighth race in the Series, the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m), held at Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday.

Starting fourth favourite, jockey Jim Collett was content to sit near last on Veloce Bella (Volksraad x Wave to Lottie) before sweeping around most of the field, followed by favourite, Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago x Stoneyfell Road), before the home turn. Once on the home straight, the filly produced a devastating turn of foot for a winning margin of one-and-three-quarter lengths. Princess Coup stormed home late for second just grabbing Te Akau stablemate Santagostino (Giant's Causeway x Devil's Lair) by a nose.

Trainer Mark Brosnan is reported to be weighing up a tilt at the New Zealand Derby over the New Zealand Oaks for Veloce Bella.

Competition at the top of the leaderboard has ensured that there are still several fillies who have a realistic chance of winning the title. At the top of the Series Leaderboard prior to the race, Princess Coup's second placing sees her hold onto the lead with 21 points, two ahead of Veloce Bella on 19.

The penultimate race in the Series is the Group 3 Lowland Stakes staged by Masterton Racing Club on 3 March. The final race is the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks at Trentham on 17 March.

Current 2006/07 NZB Filly of the Year Series Leaderboard:

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