Kiwi Ida Takes Canterbury Belle Stakes

The opening leg of the 2017-18 New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series, the $50,000 Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton on Saturday, was taken out impressively by the locally trained filly Kiwi Ida (Squamosa).

With three wins and five placings from her nine career starts before Saturday’s race, Kiwi Ida boasted exceptional credentials. With Chris Johnson in the saddle she produced a performance to match, finishing over the top of Hot Fuss (NZ) (Pins) to win by three-quarters of a length.

“She won it well, but we have to remember she was a three-win horse and the rest of the field had one win or were maidens,” said Karen Parsons, who owns and trains the filly in partnership with husband John.

“But we think she’s come back bigger and stronger this season, we hope so, and as long as there are no setbacks we’ll carry on towards the (gavelhouse.com) 1000 Guineas.”

Kiwi Ida now leads the Southern Filly of the Year Series points table with 7 points. Hot Fuss sits in second place with 4, while Canterbury Belle Stakes third placegetter Ajay Tee (NZ) (Foxwedge) has 2.

The four-race Series will conclude in the late summer and autumn with the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui on March 3, the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on April 7 and the Listed NZB Warstep Stakes (2000m) on April 21.