breednet.com.au

New Zealand Oaks a Thrilling Finale to NZB Filly of the Year

Media Release - Wednesday March 14

The curtain will come down on the New Zealand Filly of the Year Series for another year on Saturday when an outstanding field lines up in the tenth and final leg, the $400,000 Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

Contessa VanessaThere are only two fillies who can claim the coveted title of Filly of the Year for 2017-18 –Dijon Bleu(NZ) (Burgundy) and Contessa Vanessa(NZ) (Bullbars).

The Lisa Latta-trained Dijon Bleu's season came to a premature end in February because of a minor injury, but she has compiled an imposing total of 30 points with wins in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (2000m), plus placings in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1550m) and Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).

Dijon Bleu's tally of 30 points would have been enough to win the title in any of the last six seasons. However, the winner of the New Zealand Oaks receives 12 points, which puts Contessa Vanessa within reach of a come-from-behind triumph.

The Team Rogerson filly has earned 19.5 points through wins in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m), along with placings in the Eulogy Stakes and Group 2 Royal Stakes (2000m). Victory in the Oaks would lift her to 31.5 points.

Advertisement

Among the hardest for Contessa Vanessa to beat on Saturday might be the star South Island fillySavvy Coup(NZ) (Savabeel), an impressive winner of the Eulogy Stakes and the Group 3 Lowland Stakes (2100m). The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained runner has 12 points to her name and could move into second place with an Oaks win.

The field also includes the New Zealand 1000 Guineas winnerHasahalo(NZ) (Savabeel), along with stakes performersBelle du Nord(NZ) (Reliable Man),Gold Spice(NZ) (Rock 'n' Pop),Milseain(NZ) (Tavistock),Mark Two(NZ) (Pins),Marcellina(NZ) (Savabeel),Caricature(NZ) (Power),Treasure(NZ) (Mastercraftsman),Blanco Belle(NZ) (Cape Blanco),Swing Note(Encosta de Lago) andHot Fuss(NZ) (Pins).

The New Zealand Oaks will be run as Race 8 on Saturday with a start time of 4.58pm.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Highview Announce Unreserved Deplenishing Sale On-Farm
Longstanding vendors Highview who have been selling yearlings since 1986, have announced the staging of an Unreserved Deplenishing Sale at its Hamilton property on Sunday 15 March 2026. 
First Season Sires Unraced Trial Report
The Inglis Classic Yearling Sale kicks off on Sunday and if you’re out inspecting yearlings it’s always useful to have a factual picture of what is going on with first season sires, whose second crop of yearlings are being sold right now.
People at Classic - Thursday Inspections Flat Chat
It was even busier on Thursday than it was on Wednesday at the Riverside complex for the Inglis Classic Sale and Maree McEwan was out speaking to more of the players in the lead up to Sunday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 5
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
El Vencedor Ready to Defend G1 Herbie Dyke
El Vencedor has been given the green light to defend his title in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Price-Kent Trained Mare Chasing Kiwi G1
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained Knobelas will tackle 2000m for the first time when she contests the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Affordable G1 Success – Rheinwood Pastoral Delivers
Not many vendors at Inglis Classic can lay claim to having bred and sold two Group I winners in 2025 and you could have bought both of them at this sale for a combined total of $155,000.
People at Classic - Inspections Are Busy
Maree McEwan has been out and about talking to some of the major players at the Inglis Classic Sale where it’s fair to say things are busy with a big buying bench limbering up for Sunday’s kick off.
Caulfield set for Charity Family Day fun and fundraising
Blue Diamond Preludes and the return of Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Observer will make for a great Saturday at Caulfield and MRC CEO Tanya Fullarton said the day would be a celebration of racing, community and charity. 
King of Karaka Counts Down to a Favourite Race Day
Fresh from claiming the title of leading buyer at Karaka for the 18th time, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis is turning his attention to one of his highlights of the racing calendar at Te Rapa this Saturday.