Yearling Spotlight: Lot 203 Russian Revolution (AUS) - Two Illicit (NZ) Filly

One of the standout fillies from Te Akau Racing’s Karaka 2026 purchases is Lot 203, a striking chestnut filly by Russian Revolution out of the exceptional racemare Two Illicit, with just 15% ownership still available

Purchased for $340,000 from the renowned Trelawney Stud, this filly represents a rare opportunity to secure a share in a beautifully balanced individual from one of New Zealand’s most proven modern families.

She is the second foal from Two Illicit, an outstanding race filly and mare whose résumé places her among the elite of her generation. Equal Third New Zealand 3YO Filly of the Year, Two Illicit showcased remarkable versatility and an elite turn of foot, recording eight wins from 1400m to 2000m. Her victories included the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) and Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) as a three-year-old, before progressing to capture the Captain Cook Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) and Travis Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) at weight-for-age and open company.

Renowned for her ability to settle and then unleash a devastating sprint, Two Illicit possessed the kind of acceleration that separates the very best racehorses. That capacity to quicken is widely regarded as one of the most valuable traits in the thoroughbred, and history shows that mares of this calibre often pass that attribute on to their progeny.

The filly’s pedigree is further strengthened through her granddam Gemini, by Tale of the Cat, an influential son of legendary Champion Sire Storm Cat. Tale of the Cat is also the sire of Te Akau’s own Tell A Tale, winner of the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), reinforcing the depth of Te Akau familiarity and success within this family.

On the sire line, the filly is by Russian Revolution, a dual Group One-winning sprinter who captured both the Oakleigh Plate (Gr. 1, 1100m) and The Galaxy (Gr. 1, 1100m) before retiring to stud at Newgate Farm. A son of four-time Champion Sire Snitzel, Russian Revolution has rapidly established himself as a highly influential stallion, ranking among the Top 10 sires by winners on the Australian General Sires’ List this season.

Crowned Australia’s Leading First Season Sire in 2021–22, Russian Revolution has already produced over 260 individual winners and 14 stakes winners, including Group One performers Libertad and Communist, as well as the outstanding Revolutionary Miss, a multiple Group Two and Group Three winner and dual Group One placegetter.

The broodmare influence behind Russian Revolution further enhances the mating, with elite sire Stravinsky (Nureyev) featuring prominently as damsire, alongside renowned stallions such as Lankan Rupee and Rip Van Winkle within the wider pedigree.

Te Akau Racing has already enjoyed notable success with progeny by Russian Revolution, most recently through Lara Antipova, who has emerged as one of New Zealand’s leading two-year-olds this season. An impressive eight-length winner on debut, Lara Antipova followed up with a dominant victory in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m), remaining unbeaten and confirming the sire’s ability to produce elite early-running talent.

Commenting on the purchase, Te Akau principal David Ellis said the filly possessed many of the qualities that made her dam so special.

“It’s always a pleasure to buy from Trelawney Stud because they’re meticulous in their breeding operation, their matings and the success they’ve achieved speaks for itself,” Ellis said.

“Like everyone, we were impressed with Two Illicit on the race track — she had an unbelievable turn of foot — and this filly shows many of the same traits. She’s very similar to her mother in her markings and colouring and is a beautiful type of filly by a top young sire.”

The filly’s pedigree features line-breeding to some of the most influential stallions in modern breeding history, including Nureyev, Danzig, Storm Bird and Mr Prospector, creating a powerful blend of speed, class and durability.

With her athleticism, pedigree strength and proven family performance, Lot 203 represents an exciting opportunity for owners seeking both early promise and long-term potential — and with only 15% remaining, interest is understandably strong.

We invite you to learn more about this exceptional filly here and explore the opportunity to be part of her journey. With just 15% remaining, she has already attracted strong interest! Learn more here: https://teakauracing.com/yearling/lot-203-russian-revolution-aus-two-illicit-nz-chestnut-filly