Makfi filly now favourite for the New Zealand Oaks. Makfi’s exciting daughter Sofia Rosa stamped her authority over the opposition in the Gr. 3 Lowland Stakes at Hastings on 2^nd March. In a dominant display under jockey Danielle Johnson, the talented filly produced a burst of speed at the three furlong pole and then cruised home four and a quarter lengths clear of her 15 rivals in the 2100m contest.

Sofia Rosa, who was returning after a two month break, recorded her second consecutive Group success after another impressive display in the Gr. 2 Royal Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

The progressive filly has now won four of her eight outings, and appears to be improving with every race.

She is now the clear favourite for the New Zealand Oaks on March 19th. Thanks to this latest victory, Sofia Rosa takes the lead in the New Zealand Filly of the Year Series, with 14 points.

Delighted with the performance, Sofia Rosa’s handler Stephen Marsh told the local press, “She will improve as she was a bit light going into this. She was probably 90% today. She’s very good and she’s going to be bang on for the Oaks.”

A representative of Makfi’s first shuttle season at Westbury Stud in New Zealand, which also produced champion two-year-old Marky Mark, Sofia Rosa will attempt to emulate Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner Make Believe in winning a Classic for her sire.

2000 Guineas and Prix Jacques le Marois winner Makfi, by Dubawi, is currently standing for a second season at the Aga Khan Studs Haras de Bonneval in Normandy, for a fee of 20,000 Euros.

Updated on 02/03/2016.