Dijon Bleu Opens Up Commanding Lead

Media Release - Sunday February 11

Dijon Bleu(NZ) (Burgundy) expanded her lead in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series with another top-class performance in Saturday's $100,000 Group 2 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Dijon BleuThe Lisa Latta-trained filly has led the Series from the start, winning the first leg, the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) in September. Since then she has placed in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1550m), then easily won the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).

Saturday's race was a new test, stepping up to 2000 metres for the first time against a talented field. But Dijon Bleu came from well back in the field with a devastating turn of foot, taking a clear lead in the straight and holding on comfortably despite hanging out in the closing stages.

"I told Jonathan to just put her to sleep and get her to relax – that was the best chance of getting the 2000 metres," said Latta, who also shares in the ownership along with K T J Dixon, P Finlayson, Ms D A Masters, M G Passey, A J Rennie and T D Tomlins.

"She was up against a lot of good fillies today, but she's got a really electric turn of foot and she showed that."

Dijon Bleu was a $26,000 purchase at the 2016 Select Sale at Karaka, and she has now had 11 starts for six wins, three placings and $306,700 in prizemoney.

Advertisement

Saturday's win lifted Dijon Bleu to 30 points in the Filly of the Year Series, a clear lead over the second-placedContessa Vanessa(NZ) (Bullbars) on 13.5.

The placegetters in Saturday's race,Mark Two(NZ) (Pins) andMilseain(NZ) (Tavistock) move to 4 and 3.5 points respectively.

Three legs remain in the Filly of the Year Series, starting with the $70,000 Group 3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings on March 1.

Vendor Landsdowne Park Ltd
Purchaser Lisa Latta Racing Stables (Palmerston North)
Breeding Burgundy – Pristino
Sale Lot 484, 2016 Select Sale, $26,000
Bred by Robinson Family Trust
Advertisment
More Reading...
French Derby Winner for Wootton Bassett
The versatility of Wootton Bassett (GB) was on show overnight in France where the Coolmore shuttler had first and third in the Group I Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) at Chantilly with Camille Pissarro claiming victory for Coolmore.
Cool Aza Beel Strikes Again
Proven Te Akau Racing filly Cool Aza Rene put her quality on display when prevailing in a competitive Nellies Restaurant and Bar 2YO (820m) at Wingatui on Sunday.
Lightly Raced Stayer Wins Sandown Cup
The $175,000 Listed MRC Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday featured some battle hardened  old stayers, but it was the young kind on the block that got the prize with four year-old Tavistock gelding Diwali scoring his first stakes win.
Williams honoured with Damehood
Two thoroughbred industry stalwarts have been bestowed one of New Zealand’s highest honours in the King’s Birthday honour list, including Catriona Williams, who has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport.
Pony Racing Series Finals This Saturday
The excitement is building as the 2025 National Pony Racing Series Finals prepare to take centre stage at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, 7 June, showcasing the nation's most promising young riders and their ponies.
Burgundy Rose Adds Another Chapter to Family Success
Burgundy’s 3yo daughter Burgundy Rose added another chapter of success for the family of successful trainer Jamie Richards at Taupo on Wednesday.
Burgundy filly flies home to win at Ballarat
A filly bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan created a big impression when zooming home to score at Ballarat on Tuesday.
Spring Goals for Progressive Per Incanto
Spring stakes assignments are in the crosshairs for exciting gelding Twain following his victory in the Waihou Tavern (1150m) at Te Aroha on Monday.
Promising 2YO SW for Burgundy
La Romanee is proving a dashing advertisement for his Cambridge Stud-based sire Burgundy.
Inglis Internship applications open
An opportunity to work with Australia’s most progressive thoroughbred auction house has become available through the renowned Inglis Internship program.