Te Akau NZ Weekend Preview

Te Akau New Zealand has one horse entered during the nine-race premier programme at Hastings, and two on the nine-race card at Riccarton, Saturday Sept. 21.

Hastings:

As at 8:53am on Wednesday Sept. 18 the conditions were: fine and Dead4, rail out 5 metres.

2:21pm R5 5 Costa Viva (3 f Encosta De Lago - Vivacious Spirit) - Matt Cameron; required only a slap on the shoulder to draw away for a two and half length victory on Aug. 31 in the 3YO 1200 metres on Dead6 footing at Ruakaka. Drawn five of seven, she now takes on the best fillies in the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m). Trainer Jason Bridgman is happy with Costa Viva in the 21-days since winning on debut and she boasted the right attributes to prove competitive.

Riccarton:

As at 9:06am on Wednesday Sept. 18 the conditions were: fine and Good3, rail out 8 - 11 metres.

3:41pm R7 7 Dreamer (3 f More than Ready - Make Me Strong) - David Walsh; got back off a wide draw and ran through the line solidly, without threatening, on Aug. 19 in a strong 1000-metre race, won by subsequent winner El Roca, at Taupo. From barrier ten in the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) it is hoped she can find a handy position with cover and she has the right form record to make an impact with luck in running.

5:01pm R9 2 Viana (5 m Volksraad - Hecuba) - Ashley Frye (a2); resumes from a 141-day break in the Benchmark 75 1400 metres. Fresh up at the corresponding meet last year, she was a comfortable course/distance winner after travelling third in the Benchmark 65. Reducing her weight to 57.5kgs, the rider has a happy knack of doing the right thing by her mounts and the mare should go well to commence a staying campaign.

Picture - Costa Viva winning on debut - www.raceimages.co.nz

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