The G3 NZB Desert Gold Stakes has attracted another strong line up of fillies on Saturday.  The Trentham feature over 1600m is the next leg of the NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series and Smoulder will attempt to rein in breakaway leader King’s Rose (Redoute’s Choice).

Smoulder (Traditionally) defeated G1 winner Banchee last time out in the G2 Eight Carat Classic.  The Graeme & Mark Sanders trained filly is currently in second spot on the table ahead of Rememba Howe (Handsome Ransom) who is also engaged in the Desert Gold Stakes.  She is third after a win in the Gold Trail Stakes and a placing in the Eulogy Stakes.

Blinding (Black Minnaloushe), Ishma (Ishiguru) and Designacat (One Cool Cat) were all undone in the Eight Carat Classic but the trio all have winning form this season.

Kiwi Lady (Ruby’s Jester) has a fair bit to offer after three wins from four appearances.  Trained by Kevin Gray, her only track defeat was a strong second to King’s Rose in the Eulogy Stakes.

O’Reilly filly Dating won the Listed Ryder Stakes last season and she won a trial on January 6.  The Graeme Rogerson trained filly could be one to watch this Saturday.

Unbeaten fillies Shez Sinsational (Ekraar) and Koe (Align) are lining up with two wins from two starts apiece although both are having their first starts in a black type event.

Run to the Bank (Bahhare) and Waiana Gold (Gold Centre) also come into the race with winning form.  Run to the Bank put on an impressive display to win at her last start on January 14 and Waiana Gold dead-heated in the More FM 90.3 Maiden over 1600 metres on January 4.

The Roger James trained Insurgent (Ishiguru) is another with claims after a tidy third to Yourein in the Listed Championship Stakes Prelude and another good sixth to King’s Rose in the G2 Royal Stakes.

Hot Pursuit (Spartacus), L’Amour (Towkay), Angel Del Dinero (My Halo), Our Milly Smith (Volksraad) and Ormond Road (City On A Hill) all come into the race with good form and must be respected.

The current leader in the NZB Filly of the Year Series is King’s Rose with 26 points ahead of Smoulder (11) and Rememba Howe (7.5)

The Group 3 $70,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) will jump at 2.45pm (NZ time) on Saturday.