Juvenile Lara Antipova Dominates Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie, Extends Unbeaten Streak

Lara Antipova dominated the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day, March 7, 2026, extending her unbeaten streak to four and putting a likely Australian campaign squarely on her connections’ agenda. The Australian-bred juvenile filly was ridden by Mick Dee and produced what sources described as a commanding Group 1 performance, though an official finishing time and margin were not available in initial reports.

The filly was purchased for A$100,000 out of Vinery Stud’s 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis, in conjunction with Fortuna Racing. Material published around the result references ownership and syndicate names in several forms: the Fortuna Lara Antipova Syndicate appears in one report, Breednet and NZ coverage use Fortuna Racing, and a social post refers to Fortuna Thoroughbred. Bred by Eden Harrington and foaled and raised at Vinery, Lara Antipova carries the sire line of Russian Revolution.

“She is exciting and it is great for John Galvin and his team,” Walker said after the race, praising the filly and the stable group associated in commentary. Walker added a note on the purchase record: “Well done to David Ellis, that’s the seventh winner of the race that he has bought, that’s an incredible record.” Those remarks underline the commercial return on the A$100,000 Magic Millions purchase and the profile-boost for the buyers.

Pedigree checks in published material show Lara Antipova is by Russian Revolution, and one report lists her as the third Group I winner for that sire, joining Libertad and Communist. Her dam is Artistic Lass, described as the best of four winners from five foals to race and a metro-winning half-sister by Myboycharlie (IRE) to Group winners Sistine Angel and Sistine Demon. Vinery Stud also sold a three-quarter brother by In The Congo at Inglis Classic for $150,000 to Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Kestrel Thoroughbreds, linking the family to the commercial sales ring.

Reports around the result noted connections are keen to race Lara Antipova in Australia as her star rises; Breednet-style coverage highlighted that the filly’s success extends the successful run the buyers and partners have shared in recent years, a run that includes names such as 14-time Group One winner Melody Belle and Group One performer Bellatrix Star. Visual coverage of the win was credited to Kenton Wright, Race Images, and a short race clip has already appeared online.

With four wins now from four starts, the immediate questions for owners—Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis and Fortuna-linked interests—and for the riding and stable team that partnered with Mick Dee are campaign timing and targets across the Tasman. The A$100,000 Magic Millions buy has so far returned Group 1 glory; the next move will determine whether Lara Antipova can convert juvenile dominance into sustained trans-Tasman Group success.