Top performer Amarelinha on market

The Waikato Stud-bred Amarelinha is the latest high-profile mare to be listed for sale on Gavelhouse Plus.

The former New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year will be offered as a racing and breeding proposition, with the auction to run through until 7pm (NZ) on Wednesday 28 September.

The dominant filly of her generation, the daughter of Savabeel won the 2021 G1 New Zealand Oaks, the culmination of a stunning summer campaign.

En route to her classic triumph, she displayed her versatility and class, with a maiden victory quickly followed by success in the G2 Eight Carat Classic, G2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic and G3 Sunline Vase.

Te Akau principal David Ellis went to $300,000 to secure the well-related Amarelinha as a yearling from the draft of the Matamata nursery.

“Amarelinha is one of the best three-year-old fillies we have ever had in the stable,” Ellis said.

“She’s one of the best types of Savabeels I’ve ever seen and is bred on that famous Savabeel–O’Reilly cross, I’m certain she will make a really good broodmare.”

Amarelinha is the first foal of the O’Reilly mare Hopscotch, who in turn is from the Bluebird mare Jacqwin, dam of the outstanding four-time Group 1 winner Metal Bender.