Pukekohe Feature Provides First Stamina Test in NZB Filly of the Year Series
28 December 2023
The first day of 2024 will add a new dimension to the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, moving beyond 1600 metres for the first time this season with the running of the $225,000 Group Two Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m) at Pukekohe.
Five legs of the series have so far been run between September and December, over distances ranging from 1200 to 1600 metres. Superstar filly Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) currently tops the table with 20 points, followed by Impendabelle (Impending) on 15 and Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) on 8.
Still Bangon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) share fourth spot on the table with 6 points each. The others who have earned points so far are Tulsi (The Autumn Sun) with 5.5, Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High) and Chica Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto) with 3 apiece, and Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Oneira (NZ) (Contributer) on 2 and 1.5 respectively.
Formerly known as the Royal Stakes, Monday’s sixth leg of the series has this year been renamed in honour of a titan of the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry – the late, great Sir Patrick Hogan. The prestigious race is worth 8 points to the winner, with 4 for second and 2 for third, but it carries even greater significance as a gauge to fillies’ staying prospects through the longer-distance races that dominate the second half of the Filly of the Year Series.
Still Bangon and My Lips Are Sealed are the only fillies in the field who head into the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes with points already to their name. They finished first and second in a desperately close finish to the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on December 16, earning 6 and 3 points respectively.
Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir) and About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah) are the other two runners in the line-up who have already proven themselves at black-type level. Livid Sky finished third in the Group Three Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and fourth in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day, while About Time was a third placegetter in the Listed Trevor and Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m) at Te Rapa earlier this month.
The Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes will be run as Race 5 at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, with a scheduled start time of 2.30pm.
| # | HORSE | DRAW | COMMENTS | SALE | PURCHASER |
| 1 | Still Bangon | 8 | Still Bangon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) has had eight starts for two wins, three placings and two other top-five finishes. She finished fourth in her only two-year-old start - a race at Avondale in which the placegetters Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) and Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) have both gone on to perform at Group level. After a consistent run of spring form, Still Bangon stepped up on to the black-type stage and secured a hard-fought win in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. She has earned 6 points in the NZB Filly of the Year Series. | ||
| 2 | Livid Sky | 3 | Under-rated filly Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir) was a maiden winner in early October and has since produced a series of highly commendable performances in Group company. She ran seventh in the Group Two Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), third in the Group Three Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), and a last-start fourth in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day. | ||
| 3 | My Lips Are Sealed | 5 | My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High) was a $160,000 purchase by Te Akau Racing's David Ellis from Book 1 of Karaka 2022. She was a highly impressive maiden winner at Avondale in September, then made her mark at black-type level with a close second in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m), earning 3 points in the NZB Filly of the Year Series. She will attempt to continue an outstanding series for Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High, whose daughter Molly Bloom (NZ) heads the table after winning the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m). | Karaka 2022, Book 1 | DC Ellis, $160,000 |
| 4 | About Time | 4 | Cambridge Stud will chase their second consecutive win in this race, having taken it out with Polygon (NZ) (Highly Recommended) last year. Their homebred filly About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah) heads into this year's edition after producing an explosive finish from the back to win a 1200-metre maiden race at Pukekohe in early November. She then took on the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m) and finished strongly for third, and she stuck on well for a close sixth in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day. A half-brother by Savabeel will be offered as Lot 358 in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. | ||
| 5 | Harlow Rocks | 6 | The Oaks Stud's homebred filly Harlow Rocks (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) gives every impression that she will relish the extra distance of the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes. A fifth placegetter in both of her first two starts, she provided a first real glimpse of her potential with a three-length maiden victory over 1600 metres at New Plymouth on November 24. She stayed at the same distance for a race at Te Rapa on December 23, where she was suffered severe interference in the straight but still charged home for a close second. | ||
| 6 | Court Of Appeal | 1 | Court Of Appeal (NZ) (Eminent) was bought for just $20,000 by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing from Book 2 of Karaka 2022. She was outpaced over 1300 metres on debut, but then stepped up to 1600 metres and recorded two promising placings. She is already proven over a middle-distance, having finished strongly for a last-start second over 2000 metres at Matamata on December 22. | Karaka 2022, Book 2 | D Ellis/Fortuna Racing, $20,000 |
| 7 | Saxs 'n' Silks | 2 | Saxon Warrior filly Saxs 'n' Silks (NZ) showed real potential with strong second placings in her first two starts. Her only other race was at Te Rapa on December 23, where she finished a disappointing ninth and the rider reported that she might have been uncomfortable on the firm track. Any rain will be a boost to her chances. | Karaka 2022, Book 1 | C Matson/Bluestone Trust, $80,000 |
| 8 | Gaios | 7 | Gaios (NZ) (Redwood) has a stayer's pedigree. Her sire had a New Zealand Derby (2400m) win last season with Sharp 'N' Smart (NZ), while on the dam's side, close relatives include Group One Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Honor Babe (NZ) (Honor Grades) and Group One Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) placegetter Impecunious (NZ) (Sacred Falls). Gaios has had only one start so far, making up late ground and finishing ninth over 1300 metres. |