The NZ Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series begins at Riccarton on Saturday with the Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m).  It’s the first of four NZ Bloodstock sponsored Listed races that comprise the Series.  

Redoute’s Choice filly King’s Rose is the pre-post favourite.  The Jason Bridgeman trained filly was fifth home in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in April.  Bridgeman will also saddle up Miss Thorn (Thorn Park) and Sans Souci (Pins) at Riccarton.

Trainer John Sargent will be represented by Princess Emmy (King’s Chapel) who has only missed a place once in five starts.  Shrine (King’s Chapel) is another runner by the Windsor Park sire.  She was fifth in the Listed Levin Ryder Stakes in July.

Trainers John and Karen Parsons will be in the running for points on Saturday with stablemates Final Touch (Kashani) Audi (Viking Ruler).  Peter and Dawn Williams are also are also double-handed with Five Coats (Coats Choice) and Andromache (Charge Forward).  

Recent Ashburton winner Miss Maximuss (Castledale) will be fancied while the field is rounded out by She’s A Cougar (One Cool Cat), Flying Petal (Bunker), Diplomacy (No Excuse Needed), Kincaple Princess (Bertolini) and the Paul Harris trained The Harrier (Align).

Last season’s New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series resulted in a four way tie for the first time in its 30 year history.  Brown Eyed Grace (Van Nistelrooy) won the Canterbury Belle Stakes, Chaparella (High Chaparral) stepped up in the NZB Insurance Stakes, Mercury Mistress (No Excuse Needed) won the NZB Airfreight Stakes while Ishiabeel (Ishiguru) took out the Warstep Stakes.