Viva the Achiever

The NZ Racing Desk reports:

Group One winner Costa Viva will head to the Central Districts to open her spring campaign.

The New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year hasn't raced since a three-start Queensland winter carnival campaign that was blighted by poor barrier draws.

“We're looking at trialling her at Cambridge next week and then head down for the Breeders' Stakes at Hawera,” trainer Jason Bridgman said.

The Gr. 3 Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders' Stakes will be run on October 11.

“She was out in the paddock for three weeks after Brisbane and we resisted the temptation to freshen her and head to Hastings and I'm glad we did,” Bridgman said.

“They're not machines and there's some nice fillies' and mares' races for her through the spring.”

Last season's New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner was fourth in the Gr. 3 Gold Coast Guineas in her Australian debut before unplaced runs from wide gates in the Gr. 2 Queensland Guineas and in the Gr. 1 Tatts Tiara.

Costa Viva was purchased by David Ellis from the Gold Coast Sale and became Te Akau's 5th NZB Filly of the Year when crowned with the 2013/14 season title.