Spellbinder (NZ) staked an ultra-impressive claim for the G1 NZ 1000 Guineas with a six-length victory at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The unbeaten filly was never under threat while thumping her rivals in the LR Soliloquy Stakes (1400m).  It earned her early $4 equal favouritism with Bounding (Lonhro) for the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton in November.

Spellbinder (3f O’Reilly – Scenic Sprint by Scenic) is trained by Jason Bridgman who also saddled the runner-up Ruthless Lady (Keeper).  “That was a sensational run and her work leading up the race had been very good,” Bridgman claimed.  “It was a big ask to step up to Listed company at her second start.”

The Matamata filly had won by three lengths on debut at Taupo on September 9.

Spellbinder jumped smartly from the widest barrier to sit outside the leader for rider Matt Cameron and he let the filly stride to the front at the top of the straight.  From that point the race became a procession.   “She’s a smart filly and relaxed well,” Cameron said.  “She was a little bit green down the straight and had a look around – but a lot of them do first time at Ellerslie.  She’s pretty special.”

The winner changed hands for $60,000 when offered by Mapperley Stud at the 2012 NZB Select yearling sale.  She is by champion Waikato Stud sire O’Reilly and is the final foal from Caulfield winner Scenic Sprint.