The smart debut win by exciting three-year-old filly Amaryllis (Red Ransom x Lafleur)has given plenty of encouragement for Matamata trainer Mark Walker to set her for next month's Gr. 3 Highview Stakes at Hastings.

Leon Casey, manager for Peter and Philip Vela's Pencarrow Stud, said the Highview Stakes is definitely in the pipeline for the talented filly.

"Certainly everything she showed today indicates that she is worth taking towards black-type races," Casey said.

"She is a beautifully bred filly and lived up to her pedigree with today's win,"
he said.

"The way she came from the back of the field to win was full of merit," said Casey.

Amaryllis had won two trials in recent times and went into today's race as favourite.

The Velas will be hoping Amaryllis can continue an outstanding run they have enjoyed with three-year-old fillies over the years.

The Velas have claimed the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series title on four occasions.

The latest of these fillies' series winners was Insouciant who will be honoured with the title on Friday night at the annual prestige Mercedes Thoroughbred Racing Awards being held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

The Walker and Pencarrow Stud combination teamed up again for further success in the final event at the Taupo meeting with Kudaam.

A trials winner at Te Teko last week, Kudaam fought on bravely in the closing stages for her win in the hands of Opie Bosson. She is a four-year-old mare by Cape Cross and Shopping Spree.