Princess Coup Takes Lead in Filly Series

The�thriving Te Akau Racing�Stables have recorded another Group race success, this time with Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago x Stoneyfell Road)�in the Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham this afternoon.

Ridden by Opie Bosson to win by almost two lengths, the Encosta de Lago filly's race record now boasts thirteen starts for six wins including two Listed victories�and three placings.

Encosta de Lago, who currently leads the Australian General Sire Table, will be represented by four fillies�and nine colts at the Karaka Premier Yearling Sale on Monday and Tuesday.

The six points awarded to Princess Coup for the win propels her to the top of the Series table, one point ahead of Dorabella (Postponed x Caserio).

Second place-getter in today's race was Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes winner Veloce Bella (Volksraad x Wave to Lottie) who now sits in third position. Trained by Mark Brosnan, regular race-day rider Jim Collett continued their successful partnership.

Shira (Kilimanjaro x Conistar), who had the services of Glen Boss,�was third and now has one-and-a-half Series points.

With just three races in the Series left, the next installment will be�the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m)�on 10 February.

Click here for more information on the NZB Filly of the Year Series or contact Haylie Martin: haylie@nzb.co.nz�