First Test of Stamina in NZB Filly of the Year Series

Media Release - Monday December 30

The 2019-20 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series stretches out beyond 1600 metres for the first time in Wednesday’s fifth leg, the $100,000 Group 2 Valachi Downs Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.

Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) moved to the top of the table with her win in last week’s Group 2 SkyCity Eight Carat Classic (1600m), but a couple of Royal Stakes runners will be out to narrow the gap.

Lilikoi (NZ) (Charm Spirit) earned 6 points with a dominant win in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) earlier this month, and connections are confident that extra distance will be ideal.

There are similar expectations for Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux), who charged home to finish second in the Eight Carat and has 4 points to her name.

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