New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes Preview

This weekend's installment of the Filly of the Year Series, the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes at Ellerslie, begins to filter the country's top staying fillies in the lead up to the Oaks.

The 2000 metre race has a number of familiar faces including likes of series leader Justa Tad (Istidaad x Infinity). The impressive filly has been away from the track for three weeks following her win in the Eulogy Stakes at Manawatu.

Also making an appearance is Boxing Day winner Spin 'N Grin (Spinning World x Smile). The filly won the Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic in style last weekend taking the lead from a game Vamperalla (Kashani x Anchorbar) at the 50 metre mark. Vamperalla will also start in the Royal Stakes.

Connections of the Gai Waterhouse trained Basra (Desert King x Dupion) will be hoping for more luck this week after the filly was held up at the 200 metre mark in the Eight Carat. She will once again be ridden by Michael Walker.

Another notable entrant is the Sanders/Sweeney runner Prize Lady (Prized x Pen Bal Lady). She has finished in the money in her last four starts and won a recent catch weight trial over 2100 metres.

The current New Zealand Blooodstock Filly of the Year points�standing, leading into the New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes, are:

Justa Tad 26
La Sizeranne 20
Spin 'N Grin 10
Eloa 8
Vamperalla 4
Julinsky Princess 3.5
Clean Sweep 3
Sheka 1.5
Sista 1.5
Volk Dancer 1

The next race in the series is the Group 1 ING Life New Zealand Oaks on 22 January 2005 at Trentham. The 2400 metre event is worth $300,000.

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