NZB G2 Royal Stakes Draws Another Quality Field

The New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series sees the sixth leg, the $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m), on New Year's Day with 18 fillies entered in the event.

Heading the list is the current leader in the NZB Filly of the Year Series, King's Rose (Redoute's Choice x Nureyev's Girl). Currently six and a half points clear of second placed Smoulder, she has 18 points in the Series after her wins in the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas and Group 3 Eulogy Stakes. Trained by Jason Bridgman, she will be a big chance in the Group 2 fillies feature.

The Lance Noble trained Annie Higgins (O'Reilly x Diva Belle) put in a big performance on boxing day running third in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic over 1600 metres behind Smoulder. She has been racing well this preparation and will be one to watch in the race as she looks to take further points in the Series.

The Donna, Dean Logan & Chris Gibbs trained Shamabelle (Shamardal x Carnegie Belle) and the Roger James trained Insurgent (Ishiguru x Stella Attrice) both hit the line well behind Yourein in the Listed Championship Stakes Prelude (2100m) at Ellerslie last start. With most of the field having their first start over 2000 metres, Shamabelle and Insurgent will be looking to use their last start over distance to their advantage.

The Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie trained Pink Beach (Johar x Anakela Bay) is one of the few runners coming into the race after a last start win. Valtier (Fastnet Rock x Madam Spank), Scarlett Lady (Savabeel x On Call) and Gucci Girl (Hawkeye x Shading) all come into the race with last start seconds, showing good fight in their previous performances. They will all be making their NZB Filly of the Year Series debuts.

The Group 2 Eight Carat Classic saw a large field take to the course and there were a lot of fillies who ran well behind the placings. The Craig Thornton trained Guru Girl (Ishiguru x October Skys) showed plenty of fight, coming from the back of the field to take fourth place. Queen of Pop (Pins x Dame Mapperley), Designacat (One Cool Cat x Scenic Design), Keenly (Keeninsky x Marlena), Born To Rock (Fastnet Rock x Call Me Pretty) and Lady Kipling (Savabeel x Akela) also ran and will be looking to go one better on New Year's Day.�

Run To The Bank (Bahhare x Rebus) ran a good third behind Atomic Road at Counties over 1600 metres at her last start. Other fillies lining up in the Group 2 are Wejuztryin (Handsome Ransom x Jester Hit), Voodoo (Pins x Blue Sapphire) and Fireside (Thorn Park x Glenview Lass).

The winner of the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes will receive eight points in the Series with second place taking four points and third taking two points.

The $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) will be held at Ellerslie Racecourse and will be run at 4.25pm.

To view the current New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year points table, click here.�