New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas Preview

Stakes Winning Fillies Challenge For
Group One Guineas Success

As well as carrying enormous prestige in it's own right, Saturday's Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas also forms the 4th leg of the hotly contested New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series. With a capacity field assembled, this Group 1 Classic, conducted by the Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park, Christchurch, has proved that black type and prize money will attract horses from both ends of the country, making this a most interesting event.

Touted as a top chace for Saturday's feature is New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series leader and dual Group 3 winner Taatletail (Faltaat x Defensive Lady) who is already a hot favourite, with the TAB quoting her at $2.25 in futures markets. Kainui Belle (Kashani x Lady Ukiah) continued her good form winning the Gr. 2 Wellington Guineas at her last start. Another last start winner is Sarah Vee (End Sweep x Captivating) who won the Listed ARC Soliloquy Stakes in fine fashion by two lengths. Rapid Kay (Towkay x Racing Waters) and Catscan (Tale of the Cat x Translucent) make up two of the three in form Mark Walker trained runners and are hard to fault after beating the colt's and gelding's last time out when they provided the quinella in the Listed Canterbury Stakes at Rangiora.

Other runners on Saturday include,
� Classic Clare (Gold Brose x Funny Features). Winner of the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes and placed second in the Canterbury Guineas trial.
� Danette (Danske x Amynette). Winner at first start back this preparation and placed second last start behind Taatletail in the Lowland Stakes.
� Eftee One (Volksraad x Bashful Lady). Third in the Hawkes Bay Guineas Group 3, behind Stardane and Penitentiary.
� Eternal Melody (Shinko King x Billie Holiday). Unplaced in recent efforts but was a stakes winner at 2.
� Her Hidden Talent (Groom Dancer x Royal Recluse). Third in the ARC Soliloquy Stakes last start.
� Hot Elle (Al Akbar x Hot Classic). Finished second in the Otaki Maori Racing Club NZISS Bonus 3YO Stakes two starts ago.
� Lilakyn (Danehill x Popsy). Royally bred filly who won well second up.
� Ocean Melodie (Unbridled's Song x French Tide). Finished fourth in the ARC Soliloquy Stakes.
� Personal Column (Personal Escort x Noble Light). Won well on debut and finished second in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes.
� Salsa (O'Reilly x Ungaro). Consistent three year old filly down from the North
� Sarah Little (Volksraad x Libra Bay). Smart filly looking to complete a hat trick if successful here
� Spur Bird (Flying Spur x Auptag). Finished fourth in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes
� Unearthed (Felix the Cat x Minsky). Last start winner at Rangiora.
� The Persuader (Personal Escort x The Reason). Ran fourth on debut, finished second in her next and last start winner. (Emergency)

New Zealand Bloodstock's sponsorship of the 1000 Guineas commenced last year and saw the stake money almost double from $150,000 to $275,000. Last year's winner The Jewel (O'Reilly x The Grin) went on to become Three Year Old of the Year at the end of season Mercedes Awards.
The current points standing in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series are as follows,

Horse : Points
Taatletail 12
Sarah Vee 4
Danette 3
Rapid Kay 3
Bridie Belle 2
Clifton 1.5
Pay My Bail 1.5
Her Hidden Talent 1

The points allocated for Saturday's Group One race will be
1st � 12 points
2nd � 7 points
3rd � 3.5 points

This is only one of two Group One races in the Series, the other being the Group One New Zealand Oaks, so forms a vital points earning opportunity for the fillies.

The following race in the Series will be the Group 3 Robertson Motors Eulogy Stakes on 13 December.

For more information on the new Zealand Bloodstoc