The schedule for New Zealand Bloodstock’s prestigious Filly of the Year Series has been confirmed for 2020-21, with NZB committed to delivering another successful year of sponsorship towards the sought-after title.
The new season will see the number of legs contested increase from 10 to 11, with Waikato Racing Club to host the new addition in the $70,000 Group Three Soliloquy Stakes (1400m).
As a result of COVID-19 and a rescheduling of the New Zealand racing calendar, the Soliloquy Stakes, traditionally run at Ellerslie, will now take place on 24 October at Te Rapa.
“I think that it’s fantastic the race is included in this year’s NZB Filly of the Year Series,” Waikato Racing Club chief executive Andrew Castles said.
“As contenders progress out of the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) through towards the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m), I think having that 1400m race in the Series is an ideal distance for the transition.
“Last year we saw the ultimate Group One Oaks-winning filly in Jennifer Eccles place in the race and I think contesting the 1400m distance early in their preparation is ideal.
“It works out well at that time of year and I’m sure we will see a wonderful field line up at Te Rapa on the Saturday of labour weekend.”
The first leg of the Series is the Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) run on 19 September.
