Trish Dunell
The highly-rated Stella Noire looks set to be a leading hope in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series this season, judging by her trial at Te Teko on Monday.
The Showcasing filly was unbeaten in her two trials last term and lived up to expectations with a debut win at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
She stepped out in an 840m trial at Te Teko and hit out nicely to win again in the hands of Leith Innes.
“It was a really pleasing return,” trainer Tony Pike said. “She has been in work a fair while and she’s very forward in condition.
“Obviously we’ll try and set her for the three-year-old fillies’ series, but just debate whether she kicks off at Ruakaka on September 1 or the same day at Hawke’s Bay for the three-year-old race down there.
“She will then go on to the Gold Trail then through the fillies’ series from there. She’s a smart filly and she’s come back really well.
“She’s got a little bit of stoutness on the dam line so I’d be surprised if she didn’t run a strong 1600m.”
Stella Noire is a daughter of former Haunui Farm shuttle sire Showcasing. The successful stallion was represented by Gr.1 Phoenix Stakes (1200m) winner Advertise in Ireland on Sunday.