The NZB Filly of the Year Series has once again reinforced its reputation as one of New Zealand racing’s most influential pathways for elite fillies, with this season’s graduates continuing to make their mark at the highest level on both sides of the Tasman.
Several fillies that featured throughout the 2025-26 series have gone on to secure major black-type success in Australia, highlighting the strength and depth of a programme that has long served as a launching pad for future stars.
NZB Filly of the Year Series.
Leading the way is this season’s champion filly, Ohope Wins, whose remarkable campaign earned her the 2025-26 NZB Filly of the Year title. Prepared by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, the daughter of Ocean Park put together an outstanding sequence of victories in the Group 2 Patrick Hogan Stakes, Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic and Group 1 New Zealand Oaks.
Her tally of 28 points secured the title by a comfortable margin, but her achievements did not stop there. Following her purchase by Yulong Investments, Ohope Wins joined the stable of Chris Waller in Australia and quickly added another major success to her record. In just her second Australian appearance, she captured the A$1 million Group 1 Australian Oaks in Sydney.
That victory placed her among a select group of fillies to complete the New Zealand Oaks-Australian Oaks double, joining Domino, Bonneval and Pennyweka in an exclusive club.
Another graduate to shine at Group 1 level in Australia was Belle Cheval. Although she made only one appearance in the series, finishing third in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas, she rapidly developed into one of the season’s standout performers.
The Savabeel filly followed that effort with victories in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy and Group 3 Uncle Remus Stakes before narrowly missing out in the NZB Kiwi. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson then targeted Sydney, where Belle Cheval delivered a career-defining performance in the A$750,000 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
Further evidence of the series’ quality came through Fringes, who has continued her rise after relocating to Australia. Bred and raced by respected photographer Trish Dunell, the Niagara filly opened her career with a Boxing Day victory before later joining the South Australian stable of Michael Hickmott.
Her progress culminated in success in the Group 3 SA Fillies’ Classic at Morphettville in May, adding another Australian black-type victory to the growing list of achievements by series graduates.
Single Red also performed with distinction across the Tasman. The Andrew Forsman-trained filly earned valuable series points through placings in both the David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic and New Zealand Oaks before embarking on a Queensland campaign.
She finished runner-up in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet and later contested several major staying events, underlining the durability and competitiveness that have become hallmarks of the current crop.
While many graduates have already made their presence felt, attention is increasingly turning towards the unbeaten Well Written, arguably the most exciting prospect to emerge from the season.
The Stephen Marsh-trained filly finished second on the NZB Filly of the Year standings with 20 points, thanks largely to dominant victories in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes and Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas. She then elevated her profile further with victories in the Auckland Guineas, the Karaka Millions 3YO and the NZB Kiwi.
Unbeaten in six starts and with earnings exceeding $2.6 million, Well Written is expected to launch her Australian career in the spring. Her progress will be followed closely by racing enthusiasts in both countries.
Another filly expected to attract significant attention next season is Autumn Glory. Trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, she finished second in both the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks and Group 1 New Zealand Derby, performances that demonstrated her quality against both fillies and colts.
She is set to continue her career from the Cranbourne stable of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, where connections will hope she can build on her impressive staying credentials.
The success enjoyed by these fillies over the past three months serves as a powerful endorsement of the NZB Filly of the Year Series and its ability to identify future elite performers. With several leading contenders set to return as four-year-olds and a fresh group preparing to emerge, the future looks bright for the programme.
Attention will soon switch to the 2026-27 NZB Filly of the Year Series, which is scheduled to begin with the Group 3 Sunline Vase at Ellerslie on September 5, marking the start of another chapter in one of New Zealand racing’s most respected fillies’ competitions.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz