Everswindell Poised to take Lead in Fillies Series

New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series continues on Boxing Day with the running of the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) for three-year-olds at Ellerslie.

A high class field has been assembled for this year's event, including last start New Zealand One Thousand Guineas runner up, Everswindell (Align x Hilarion Lady). A win by the John Sargent trained runner would see her take the lead in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series. Everswindell is currently second in the Series with seven points, trailing Guineas winner, Seachange (Cape Cross x Just Cruising).

Astute Cambridge trainer, Don Sellwood, has a strong hand in the race, with leading chances Pulcinella (Stravinsky x Shall We Dance) and Markisa (Danehill x Marquise). Pulcinella upstaged her male rivals with a last start victory in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (1600m). Experienced rider, Noel Harris, has retained the ride and will have to overcome barrier 15. Regally bred filly, Markisa finished a close second to Legs (Pins x River Century) in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes, after a bold front running display.

Leading trainer, Mark Walker, has a leading hand in the race in the form of current New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series leader and Listed winner, Shikoba (Chief Bearhart x Summary). Her most impressive run to date was a last start second to Wahid (Almutawakel x Rory's Helen) in the Group 1 Courtesy Ford Levin Classic (1600m). Leith Innes will partner the promising filly, who was an unlucky 6th in the One Thousand Guineas.

In addition to Everswindell, John Sargent will line up the lightly tried Sharvasti (Montjeu x Vedodara), who broke maiden ranks in impressive style at Matamata earlier this month. Sharvasti is well related, being a half sister to Group winners, Shastri (Stravinsky) and Bhandara (Zabeel).

Other last start winners include the Roger James trained, Gaze (Cape Cross x Eye Full), Falrain (Faltaat x Cry Rain) for Bruce Wallace and the Tim Ryan prepared, Irish Sting (O'Reilly x Betty Bee).

The Royce Dowling and Linda Laing trained Twinkling (Star Way x Limitless) will be aided by an easing of the track and has an outstanding course record.

The next race in the Series is another Group 2 event, the New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) and will be run on New Years Day at Ellerslie.