- Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas contenders were on display in the days feature the New Zealand Bloodsto9ck Canterbury Belle Stakes. The two highest rated runners dominated the betting and the finish and replicated the result of the Three-year-old race on the track two weeks earlier. VIVA VIENNA the favourite outfinished the pacemaker ILLICIT DREAMS with the local WARNING SIGNAL in third pacing. Sam Weatherley rode the Te Akau filly in a time of 1-07.18 for the 1200 metres.
- If that time was quick the previous race was even faster. A new track record, albeit assisted by a howling nor ’wester, of 1-06.72 was set when CHALLA sprinted away with the Crawford Developments Open Sprint. Apprentice Ngakau Hailey claimed 4kg off the handicapped 59.5kg which was also some help. The Danny Frye OUR ECHO finished strongly to run CHALLA to a neck with LIVE DRAMA third.
- Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson trained three winners on the programme with STAR OF JUSTICE winning the 1200 metres maiden.
- Local trainer, and former top rider, Jamie Bullard prepared the very promising NORTIBUTNICE to win the last with Kylie Williams in the saddle.
- Matamata jockey Sam Weatherly was the leading rider on the day with three winners including VIVA VIENNA, STAR OF JUSTICE and GLORIFIED for Riccarton Park trainer Terri Rae in the Commodore Hotel Rating 75 over 2000 metres.
IN
Racing
Spring Racing Day 2 - 16 September Review
Viva Vienna takes out NZ Bloodstock Canterbury Belle
September 18, 2023