More Than Justa Tad Too Good

The Group 2 Robertson Holden Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Awapuni on Saturday was filled with drama from the outset when two of the smart three-year-olds lining up in the event became late scratchings.

Prickle (Pins x Snobbish) and Class Act (Cape Cross x Wiki Wiki) were removed from the race on vet's advice after Prickle became stuck in the gates prior to the start. This left nine fillies to battle it out for all important points in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series.

As expected, series leaders Justa Tad (Istidaad x Infinity) and La Sizeranne (Stravinsky x Tricia Ann) were the horses to beat. The Rudy Liefting trained Justa Tad dashed clear in the straight showing an impressive turn of foot to take the win and an extra eight points in the series. La Sizeranne, who ran home for second, looked game in defeat and added four points to her tally. Third was Eloa (Volksraad x Cent From Heaven) who picked up two points.

With half the series still to be run the Eulogy result pushed the series leaders even further from the pack. The current standings are:

Justa Tad 26

La Sizeranne 18

Eloa 8

Julinsky Princess 3.5

Clean Sweep 3

Spin 'N Grin 2

Sheka 1.5

Sista 1.5

Volk Dancer 1

The next race in the series is the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic on Boxing Day at Ellerslie. The 1600 metre event is worth $100,000.

The New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series points table is updated after each race on New Zealand Bloodstock's website www.nzb.co.nz . For further information about the series please contact Julian Phillips at New Zealand Bloodstock, julianp@nzb.co.nz