New Zealand-trained mares Viadana and Recite are both set to contest the 2014 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Royal Randwick next Saturday after finishing first and second in the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on April 5.
Glen Boss will partner Kiwi mare Recite in the 2014 Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Royal Randwick on April 19. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Viadana ran away from the rest of the field in the final stages of the race to record her third victory at Group 1 level, after taking the 2013 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) and 2014 NRM Sprint (1400m), and trainer Lance Noble has confirmed that the daughter of Towkay will make his Australian racing debut in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes on April 19.
The six-year-old mare is yet to produce a poor performance in eight starts this preparation and is chasing her fourth victory after taking out the Listed Lion Red Plate (1200m), NRM Sprint, Group 2 Windsor Park Stud Japan Trophy (1600m) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.
Joining Viadana in the 2014 Queen Of The Turf Stakes field will be talented filly Recite who has put together an impressive record of six wins from 11 starts since making her racing debut with a win at Trentham on December 8 in 2012.
Recite finished her juvenile campaign undefeated, taking out the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1200m), Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and Group 1 Sires Produce Stakes (1400m), and has returned to her best form this preparation after failing to fire in the spring.
The Darci Brahma filly started her campaign with a second place finish behind Kawi in The Curraghmore Stakes (1400m) at Trentham on December 7 and was fourth in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on December 26 before recording an impressive win in the Group 1 Ocean Park Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on January 14.
Recite made it two straight victories with a dominant win in the Listed Wairarapa Breeders Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau on February 6 before returning after a freshen up with her second place finish behind Viadana on Saturday.
Trainer John Bary has booked Glen Boss to partner Recite in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes and the leading Melbourne hoop will also partner stablemate Miss Selby in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m).
Recite is currently available at 2014 Queen Of The Turf Stakes odds of $41; with Catkins ($3.50) currently favourite from stablemates Red Tracer ($4.80) and Royal Descent ($7.50).
