The Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui this Saturday gives all 13 fillies engaged a shot at taking a share of the lead in the NZB Southern Filly of the Year Series.

Emerald Queen (O’Reilly) won the first leg of the Series in the Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes in September.  She took top spot on the leader-board and the second leg this Saturday also offers 7 points to the winner.

Berenice (Holy Roman Emperor) heads the NZB Insurance Stakes field after two stakes placings followed by a last-start fourth in the Southland Guineas last month.

Biddedo (Edenwold) and Pamina (Keeper) will clash again as both fillies filled the placings behind Kostalot at Riccarton Park at their last starts after having a break from the track.

Pamina is one of two runners for trainers Kevin and Pam Hughes, the other being Champagne Katie (Darci Brahma) who ran fourth in the first leg of the Series after travelling wide throughout the race.

Trainer Sally McKay will saddle Saperavious (Saperavi) who won with a flying finish at Riverton last month.  Stablemate No Mean Feat (Perfectly Ready) will be stepping up to 1400 metres for the first time in her career.

Marlin Monroe (Coats Choice) broke maiden ranks after overcoming a tough trip last time at Ascot Park.  Queens Habit (Bachelor Duke) won at the same meeting at her third start over 1400 metres.

John and Karen Parsons will also saddle two runners in – Annabel Rose (Pins) and Keynote (Pentire).  The latter ran an unlucky second at her last start at Riccarton.

Marechal (General Nediym) is no stranger to stakes races having run fourth in the G3 Eclipse Stakes last season behind Warhorse.  Lucille (Remind) also has experience at stakes level and will have her third start in Listed company on Saturday after finishing fifth and sixth in the Gore Guineas and Canterbury Stakes this season.

South Island based sire Saperavi has talented filly Emily Trimbole completing the field.  She contested the first leg of the Series in September and comes into the race with an unlucky fresh up run at the course early last month.

View the race schedule and current points table for NZB’s Southern Filly of the Year Series here.