Regal Performance from Dowager Queen

It's not every weekend that a two-year-old filly steps out and beats the older fillies and mares at Listed level, but Dowager Queen did exactly that in Saturday's Listed Windsor Park Stud Rotorua Stakes (1400m).

Trained by the inform Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Dowager Queen (Savabeel x Dower) produced a bold effort in the heavy footing, beating a strong field of older horses in the Listed event.

Under a feather weight of 46 kilograms with Lisa Allpress in the saddle, Dowager Queen was made to work in the heavy going, giving Fleur de Lune a three length head start in the straight. But not to be out done, the two-year-old really showed her fighting qualities and produced a brilliant turn-off-foot to race clear in the final strides to win by three-quarters-of-a-length.

The daughter of Savabeel has now won two consecutive races at stakes level, her last start netting the Listed Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie. A filly that looks to be at the top of her game, she will be joining the large kiwi contingent heading to Queensland for the feature racing, and looks to be a top prospect.

Savabeel is a sire that has continually made headlines over the last few months. His progeny are really hitting their straps on the track, with another filly Scarlett Lady, also beating the older mares in the Group 2 Travis Stakes just last weekend. Standing at Waikato Stud, Savabeel will commence the 2011 season at a fee of $20,000.

Dowager Queen is raced by the Two 'N One Partnership and has now won three of her nine starts and is the earner of over $85,000. She was purchased by the Two 'N One Partnership from Dormello Stud for $50,000 at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale.

Her full-sister - Molly Coco was purchased by Karen Fenton-Ellis at the 2011 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale for $60,000.