Tough Draw for Viva

As we all know, reigning NZB Filly of the Year Costa Viva is currently in Queensland for her Australian campaign.

Desperately unlucky at her first start in Australia, she rallied well for fourth after everything that could have gone against her, did in the Listed Gold Coast Guineas.

Her work this week, reports Te Akau Assistant Trainer Pam Gerard, has been excellent.  However Lady Luck has refused to smile again - her draw came out yesterday 20 out of 22 - making her task for honours in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas a very tough assignment indeed.

Precious Time who also races on Saturday likewise has not fared particularly well, drawing 11 out of 12 for her event - it is easy to see where the popular old saying "visitor's draw" originated from!

The Queensland Guineas is a Group 2 race for three-year-olds held each June at Eagle Farm racecourse in Brisbane, Queensland. The race is run over a distance of 1400 metres under set weight conditions and worth $350,000 in prizemoney. The 2013 Queensland Guineas was won by Sizzling from Dances On Stars with Lucky Hussler third.

Taking place on Gr1 Queensland Oaks day, the Queensland Guineas is held on the first day of the three-day Eagle Farm racing carnival.

The Queensland Guineas is a good race for three-year-olds who do not have the staying ability to tackle the longer distance races like the Queensland Derby and the race generally assembles very good 3YO gallopers who quite often go on to become very successful racehorses.

Talented gallopers Rothesay (2010), Yippio (1997), Paris Lane (1994), Triscay (1991) and Planet Ruler (1988) have all won this race over the years.  Smart mare Pear Tart (2012) went on to take out the Gr1 Winter Stakes on the final day of the carnival after winning the Queensland Guineas.