Another chapter in the rivalry between top fillies Illicit Dreams and Viva Vienna will be written on Saturday when the pair meet once more in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton.
The pair have come head-to-head twice this preparation, with the latter being the victor on both occasions, including the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m).
Ken Rae and Krystal Williams, trainers of Illicit Dreams, have been pleased with their filly and are keen to overturn the result this weekend.
“Hopefully it is not a second placing again and we can get it done,” Williams said.
“It’s nice to have a quality horse to come up against so we know where we stand. I think she looks good going into the 1400m on Saturday.
“We had to miss the run two weeks ago because of the heavy track and Ashburton looks perfect for her.”
Both fillies are on a path towards the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month, with the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Viva Vienna sitting at $10 in the TAB’s futures market, with Illicit Dreams rated a $16 chance in the field headed by Molly Bloom and Luberon at $5.
Stablemate Dancing Dream is also heading towards the 1000 Guineas, but Rae and Williams are firstly hoping she can break through for her maiden win in the McIntosh Catering (1200m) on Saturday’s undercard.
The Contributer filly has placed in seven of her 12 starts, including runner-up in the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and her connections are hoping she can go one better this weekend.
“We just can’t get her out of maidens, so we are just trying to find a weaker field for her,” Williams said.
“She has had a lot of racing, but she seems to handle it and enjoys it, and hopefully we can get one soon.”
Stable warhorse The Buffer has been lumbered once again with 62kg for the McCrea Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup (1600m).
The Reliable Man seven-year-old carried 58kg to victory last start in the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial (1400m) courtesy of stable apprentice Danika Wilson’s four-kilogram claim, and will once again get the weight relief from the young hoop this weekend.
“We thought he was gone at the home turn (last start), but he had tricks up his sleeve,” Wilson said.
“He is very well and I think he is a very good chance on Saturday.”
Rounding out the stable’s quartet of representatives at the meeting will be Blood Diamond in the Agraforum Comcat (2200m).
“This field looks to suit her and the track should suit her as well,” Williams said. “She should be a nice place chance.”