Veronica Franco got her first points on the board in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, winning the Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Awapuni on Saturday in impressive style.

Trained by Roger James and Paul Mirabelli, Veronica Franco (Johar x Crystal Hailey by Greinton) ran down NZB 1000 & NZ 2000 Guineas winner Katie Lee (Pins x Miss Jessie Jay by Spectacularphantom) on the home straight to win by a half-neck.

Now the winner of three in a row from just six starts, as well as placing third on two occasions, Veronica Franco has won $56,325 in prize-money.

James purchased Veronica Franco at the 2008 Karaka Premier Sale for $80,000 from Longlands Stud. She is the second stakes winner for Crystal Hailey who is also the dam of Listed SAJC John D Lees Stakes winner Diamond Hailey (Zabeel).

The Nathan Tinkler-owned Adulterer (Traditionally x It's My Sin by Success Express), also from the James/Mirabelli stable, filled third place to secure 1.5 points in the Series. This time James' hunting ground was NZB's Ready to Run Sale where he secured her for $42,500 from Hinuera Lodge. She is represented by Lot 460, a half-brother by first season sire Darci Brahma, at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale.

For her second placing, Sir Patrick and Justine Lady Hogan's Katie Lee extended her lead in the prestigious Series to 16.5 with Keep the Peace her closest adversary on seven points.

The New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival at Ellerslie will provide much action for the NZB Filly of the Year followers over the Festive Season, playing host to the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day and the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) on New Year's Day.