Four Win Saturday - Win No.3 Self Obsession Flies in Ellis Fillies' Classic

In similar fashion to winning Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m), Self Obsession (3 f Shocking - Mawaakib, by O'Reilly) won the $110,000 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (Gr. 2, 2000m) on Legends Day (Saturday) at Te Rapa.

Self Obsession finished third in a Maiden 1400 metres on debut, sustained an increasingly strong gallop to easily win a Maiden 1600 metres on 10 December, both at Tauranga. She then justified the stable's decision to chase glory at her third start winning the Royal Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m), and emulated the feat to win her second Group 2 race in only four starts.

Defiant in a nose margin decision on 1 January at Ellerslie, over Princess Lowry (Roc de Cambes), Self Obsession had Glory Bound (Tavistock) out and after her mid-straight, but her resolve was too steely.

“She just kept finding for me,” said elated rider Michael McNab, who has been aboard in each of her starts.

“She just doesn't let you down. Look at her, she's so big, but was sharp out of the gates and puts herself there (lead). She's not a sprinter but winds up to a really good speed and they can't get to her. I just absolutely love her. She's a real darling.”

Handling Slow7 footing, Self Obsession ran 2000 metres in 2:08.2 and shortened in betting to pay $4.40 & $1.50 on NZ TAB tote.

“She's a big imposing sort of filly that's a genuine stayer - she can roll along in front, sustain the speed, keeps going and I'm very proud of her,” said Richards, having won the corresponding race last season with eventual New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Amarelinha (Savabeel).

“It's a big thrill for the owners and breeders, David Price and Jenny Chapman, up in Hong Kong. She was born and raised at Hallmark Stud, with Mark and Vicki Baker. There's a big team there and great to get a good result for them.

“She was a little bit vulnerable with her fitness here today, but she's got a little bit of improvement for either the Lowland Stakes or the Sunline Vase, then down to Trentham for the Oaks, where the mile and a half should be right up her alley.

“Michael (McNab) gave her a lovely ride, the team's going well, and big thank you to the staff at home that are doing a fantastic job. They're putting in some big hours and they deserve the credit.”

In winning, Self Obsession advanced to second on table for NZB Filly of the Year Series, with 16 points, while race rival and stable-mate Belle En Rouge, who finished fifth, leads the way on 19.

“It's another chapter of a very exciting story,” Price said. “It's wins like this that make us as an owner realise that we are just the lucky ones on a ride in an industry we love.

“The story of the Baker's with her as a foal, the work that the stable has done to keep her feet capable of racing, all whilst we are in Hong Kong. It's a massive thank you to those involved.  Hopefully she keeps it all together to Oaks day.”

David Ellis CNZM and Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM, each previous Chairman of the Waikato Racing Club and both honoured Life Members, wanted to give back to the club in a different way, as sponsors since 2020, and in perpetuity they will continue sponsoring the event long-term.

By Shocking (Street Cry), sire of 24 stakes' winners including two at Group 1 level, Self Obsession is out of the unraced O'Reilly (Last Tycoon) mare Mawaakib, in turn from talented race mare My Hangover (My Halo), winner of five races to 1400 metres and placed at Group 2, Group 3, and Listed levels.

Self Obsession carries a bloodline cross of champion sires Halo and Northern Dancer.

Te Akau had also won the race with additional Filly of the Year Series winners Shikoba (Chief Bearhart), King's Rose (Shikoba) and last year's winner Amarelinha (Savabeel).

Self Obsession was strapped by Amit Gujar.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz