Walker Two-From-Two in NZB Southern Filly Series
6 March 2023
Two legs of the New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series have now been run and won, and Te Akau Racing’s Matamata-based trainer Mark Walker has won both races with two different fillies.
Walker won the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) in September with One Kiss (NZ) (Tivaci), and on Saturday he struck again in the second leg of the series as Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) scored a dominant victory in the $65,000 Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui.
Romancing The Moon was already a proven black-type performer, with five previous attempts in stakes company producing a second in the Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1200m), second in the Group Three Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), sixth in the Group Two Wellington Guineas and second in last month’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m).
She was back against her own sex on Saturday and went to a whole new level, taking control at the top of the straight in the hands of jockey Joe Kamaruddin. The hot favourite opened up a commanding lead through the final 200 metres, crossing the finish line five and a half lengths ahead of her nearest rival.
Bought by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis for $50,000 from Karaka 2021, Romancing The Moon has now had 10 starts for three wins, four second placings and $126,445 in prize-money.
Saturday’s victory thrust her to the top of the points table for the NZB Southern Filly Series, sharing the lead with stablemate One Kiss with 7 points apiece.
Betty Spaghetti (Stratum Star) shares third spot with Perfectly Suited (NZ) (Savile Row) on 4 points, while Miss Dunsford (Dissident) and Kikimora (NZ) (Shamexpress) have 2 points each.
However, Romancing The Moon may not have the opportunity to add to her NZB Southern Filly Series tally, with Walker instead eyeing up a shot at the Group One Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on March 18.
“It was a lovely ride by Joe and a terrific effort by the filly,” Walker said. “She’s a filly that Dave (Ellis) bought cheaply, and to win a stakes race on the back of really good Group-race performances adds a lot of value for her future.
“She will come home via the Levin Classic at Trentham, and she certainly deserves her chance.”
The third leg of the NZB Southern Filly Series will be the $65,000 Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m), which will be run at Riccarton on April 15.
| Vendor | Westbury Stud |
| Purchaser | Mr DC Ellis (Te Akau) |
| Breeding | El Roca – Underthemoonlight |
| Sale | Lot 189, Karaka 2021 Book 1, $50,000 |
| Bred by | H G W & Mrs K L McQuade |