Katie Lee Wins 'Filly Of The Year' Title (February 14 2010)

Pins' daughter Katie Lee has proved herself the queen of the fillies and she's now on target to claim overall three-year-old honours. Victory in Saturday's Gr 2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic wrapped up the NZ Filly of the Year title and next month's Gr 1 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie is likely to be next on her list.

Katie Lee has already come out on top in her first showdown with the colts and gelding after having their measure in the NZ 2000 Guineas in the spring before she completed an historic Gr 1 double by also claiming the NZ 1000 Guineas. Ridden for the first time at Te Rapa by Mark du Plessis, she loomed wide on the turn and cruised to the lead 200 metres from home to take her earnings beyond the $1 million with seven wins from her 15 appearances.

"I probably went a bit too soon but had to get around one coming back on me," du Plessis said. "The others had their chance to pick me up and she's a very good filly and gutsy." Trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, Katie Lee is raced by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan.

"She's a great filly and she's still got a few funny traits but she's a winner," Rogerson said. "It's up to Sir Patrick but I think the Derby is her race."

Pins became the second WS based stallion in as many years to sire the 'Filly Of The Year'. Last year No Excuse Needed sired WS bred and owned Daffodil to win the prestigious award.