Seachange Heads Strong Field For Desert Gold Stakes

The next leg of the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series is the Group 3 Williams & Adams Motorvation Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), to be run at Trentham tomorrow.

A first class field has been assembled for the mile event for three-year old fillies, headed by Seachange (Cape Cross x Just Cruising), winner of the New Zealand Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas and currently second in the Filly of the Year Series behind Shikoba (Chief Bearhart x Summary).

Trained by Ralph Manning, Seachange turned in a sensational performance when blitzing high class male rival, Wahid (Almutawakel x Rory's Helen) at her most recent outing. The daughter of Cape Cross will again be ridden by Australian rider, Gavin McKeon and is likely to start as favourite.

The Don Sellwood trained, Pulcinella (Stravinsky x Shall We Dance) is also well in contention, having placed behind Shikoba at her last two starts. Currently third in the Filly of the Year Series with 8 points, Pulcinella has the services of Noel Harris and has drawn the inside barrier.

Lightly raced filly, Legs (Pins x River Century), turned in a strong performance when narrowly beaten into second at Awapuni last start. The daughter of Pins can double her tally of six points in the Filly Series with a win on Saturday.

Visiting Australian jockey, Scott Seamer, will partner the highly promising Out Of Align (Align x Limerick Lea). Trained by Gary Vile, Out Of Align caused an upset when downing the previously undefeated Legs at her most recent outing.

Ultra impressive last start winner, Motla (Danske x Heaps), will be partnered by experienced rider, Grant Cooksley, in the Group 3 event.

The Lance O'Sullivan trained, Bashful (O'Reilly x Mon Cheri), is also a strong contender based on her recent third placing behind Charliehorse (Bahhare x Rebus) at Ellerslie.

The Williams & Adams Motorvation Desert Gold Stakes is the 7th leg of the 10-race Filly of the Year Series, with 6 points on offer to the winner of this Group 3 event, 3 points for second and 1.5 for third.