Fix connections consider NZ Derby

Matamata based Fix can win the NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year award without running in the last two legs of the Series.

Fix (3f Iffraaj – Destined by Danehill) has accumulated 27.5 points after wins in the G2 Eight Carat Classic, G2 Royal Stakes and G2 Sir Tristram Classic.  She is well clear of Soriano (Savabeel) on 19 points and the second-placed filly won’t run in the upcoming G3 Lowland Stakes and G1 New Zealand Oaks, either.

That scenario has left the Fix camp considering whether to also change course and head to the NZ Derby.  Trainer Ken Kelso and owner Gary Harding will meet later this week to discuss their options.

The Zealand Derby is on March 2 and the NZ Oaks on March 16.  “Fix has licked her bowl clean since the weekend,” Kelso said.  “It was a gutsy win.  She raced a bit keenly out of the straight the first time and then relaxed down the back and had her ears pricked and showed a real kick again.”

Fix (NZ) is from the first southern crop by Haunui Farm shuttler Iffraaj (Zafonic).  She was a $220,000 buy for Tirau based Harding when offered by Haunui Farm at the 2011 NZB Premier Sale.  Destined’s Zabeel filly made $800,000 at the 2013 NZB Premier Sale.

Their older half-brother Galileo’s Destiny (Galileo) was G1 placed in the South African Derby and South African Classic at Turffontein in 2011.