Four Way Tie in NZB Southern Filly Series

For the first time in the New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series' 30 year history, the Series has resulted in a four way tie with three of the fillies graduates of the 2008 Karaka Select Sale.

Brown Eyed Grace (Van Nistelrooy x Lycsis by Final Card) was the first to put in her bid in for the title, winning the first of the four-race series, the Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) back in September. Rodger Finlay purchased her from her breeders, Wentwood Grange, for $90,000.

Six months later Chaparella (High Chaparral x Peak Time by Straight Strike) stepped up in Listed NZB Insurance Stakes at (1400m) to post her seven points on the board. She is the first to race from the five-time winner Peak Time and was bred by BJ & CJ O'Donnell.

Two Northern raiders took the last two $45,000 races in the Series with the Lance Noble-trained Mercury Mistress (No Excuse Needed x Flytaine by Centaine) winning Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m). Rob Burnet bid to $20,000 to secure Mercury Mistress from her breeders, Waikato Stud, who also bred and raced last year's Southern Filly Series winner Bird (Danasinga) and the reigning NZB Filly of the Year, Daffodil (No Excuse Needed).

Bred by Chequers NZ Ltd, last Saturday's Listed NZB Warstep Stakes (2000m) winner Ishiabeel (Ishiguru x Danceabeel by Zabeel) was purchased by, Roger James at the 2008 Karaka Select Sale for $58,000.

The presentation for the NZB Southern Filly of the Year Series will be at the South Island Racing Awards Dinner with the date and location for this year's celebration yet to be confirmed.

Click here to view past winners of the Series.

2009-10 NZB Southern Filly of the Year Series Points Table�

A possible tie-break condition is being considered for inclusion in next year's Series with an announcement when dates and stakes are confirmed in the new season.