Southern Fillies Finale

The 2005 New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series draws to a close this weekend at Riccarton Park. The Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) is the last leg of the four race series and this year's title is within the sights of four fillies who currently sit at the top of the points table.

The current standings for the 2004/05 Series are:

Horse	Points
Royal Miss	10
Go Faster	7
Senorita Dane	7
Innate	3
Sapphire Belle	3
Little Tee	2
Blooming	1

The big test for a number of the fillies in the Warstep is the jump in distance. More than half the field has yet to travel more than a mile and the extra two furlongs could cause an upset.

Royal Miss (Volksraad x Bashful Lady) currently sits at the top of the table following a win and a second placing. The filly has been first or second past the post in six of her nine starts and with the step up in distance not likely to pose a problem she looks a good hope tomorrow.

Go Fastar (Magic of Sydney x Selene Star) and Senorita Dane (Senor Pete x Snadame) also have realistic chances, in both the race and the title. Go Fastar won her last start, a 1400 metre leg of the series, and shouldn't find the extra ground a problem. Senorita Dame, although disappointing at her last two starts, has looked impressive throughout her career. If the filly can live up to her better form and take advantage of the ace draw she will be a very real threat.

Representing Katrina Alexander's Matamata stable is Boston Babe (Volksraad x My Chameleon) who won her last start over 2200m. However, the visitor has been given no favours, drawing the widest barrier in the eighteen horse field.

Another last start winner with prospects is the Jan Hay-trained Felenic (Cape Cross) after confirming her promise with a brilliant win over 1600 metres on this track a fortnight ago. A win by her would go down well as she races in the blue and white colours of Peter and Philip Vela, owners also of race and Series sponsors, New Zealand Bloodstock.

Amongst the other notable runners is Axis (Spinning World x The Lions Roar), who despite two recent down-the-track finishes finds an easier test here. The filly's last two starts have been in Group 2 company where she has met the likes of talented filly Tusker.

The New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes is set to jump at 3.30pm on Saturday. For more information about the Southern Filly of the Year Series see the NZB website, www.nzb.co.nz.