Top O’Reilly filly firms for classic

20 September 2014

O’Reilly’s outstanding daughter O’Marilyn is already a short order for the Gr 1 NZB 1000 Guineas. A spectacular return to racing this afternoon to claim the Gr 3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes has seen TAB bookmakers bring her into $4 favouritism for the Riccarton classic.

Last season’s leading filly after her Gr 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes success, O’Marilyn sat in behind the pace at Hastings before she ran into trouble 300 metres from home.

“It was a bit tricky at times and it got a bit tight up the straight and I knew all I needed was a needle eye gap as she’s got such a great turn of foot,” rider Sam Spratt said.

Her prayers were answered along the fence and O’Marilyn showed her acceleration to power home for a decisive victory.

“That’s the best draw (three) she’s had and she missed away,” trainer Stephen McKee said. “It was a little bit eerie at the 300 until a gap opened up.”

“Obviously, the Guineas at Christchurch is her main aim, but how we get there I’m not that sure yet – probably the Sarten Memorial next. Being by O’Reilly out of a Zabeel mare you would expect her to go further.”

A $130,000 Karaka yearling, O’Marilyn is a half-sister to the Group One winners Anacheeva (Caulfield Guineas) and Headturner (Australian Derby). It is also the family of Viennetta (Gr 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes).

Trans-Tasman stakes double for Sav

Savabeel reaffirmed his remarkable longevity and influence with a commanding trans-Tasman stakes double, as Force Of Nature claimed the Legacy Lodge Sprint and Captain Pluto powered home in the Luckygray Stakes, further cementing the NZ Hall of Fame stallion’s enduring impact across Australasian racing.

8 November 2025

Noverre’s sibling salutes at Pukekohe

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