Sofia Rosa Scores Sensational Lowland Stakes Win

The New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series has a new leader after Sofia Rosa (NZ) (Makfi) blew her rivals away in the Group 3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes at Hastings on Wednesday, becoming the first filly to win two races in this season’s Series.

The Stephen Marsh-trained filly made her first impression in the Series when she overcame adversity in the Group 2 Royal Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, regaining her balance after almost falling at the top of the straight to score an easy win. Her Lowland Stakes victory may have lacked the near-catastrophe of her Ellerslie heroics but was no less impressive.

Resuming after a two-month absence, Sofia Rosa settled midfield under Danielle Johnson before commencing a run around the outside of the field approaching the home turn. She raced to the lead and then raced away, crossing the line four and a quarter lengths clear of her rivals.

Strada Cavallo (NZ) (Alamosa) finished second, with Amazing Lady (NZ) (O’Reilly) coming from the back of the field to run third.

“She was brilliant,” Marsh said. “Everything went to plan and she’s just been too good. I’m proud of her.

“We’ve been a bit light on her leading into this race, so she will improve on this. She’ll be bang on for the Oaks.”

Having previously sat in fourth place on the NZB Filly of the Year Series table with eight points, Sofia Rosa picked up another six points for her Lowland Stakes win and has taken the lead with 14 points. NZB 1000 Guineas winner Risque (NZ) (Darci Brahma) remains in second place with 12 points, while Strada Cavallo has moved up to third with 11.5 points. Amazing Lady’s 1.5 points for third were her first points of the Series.

The Lowland Stakes win was Sofia Rosa’s fourth from eight starts and lifted her earnings to $139,835 for owners JML Bloodstock.

A daughter of the Encosta De Lago mare Bislieri, Sofia Rosa was bred by Gerry Harvey. She was sold by Westbury Stud at the 2014 Select Sale at Karaka, purchased by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for $65,000.

A full-sister was offered at this year’s Premier Sale and was sold to David Ellis for $200,000.

To view the NZB Filly of the Year Series Leaderboard click here.