Kiwi Ida wins Kamada Park Manawatu Stakes, Group 2, NZ$100,000 at Awapuni, 1400m.
Tough South Island raider Kiwi Ida , coming off an open handicap win at Riccarton five weeks ago, held on gamely to record a 13th win and third stakes success at start 40.
She got away well but soon drifted and at the 1200m mark was fifth last. She made ground from the 1000m to be back of midfield then lost her position from the 600m. Pulling wide, yet well back, she found room out in the middle of the track and accelerated to challenge. She took over at the 200m, looked to race clear, was challenged herself but held on gamely by a half-head.
Rock On Wood was midfield leaving the back straight, moved up three deep from the 600m and was poised to challenge starting the run home. He caught the leader at the 250m, but was outgunned from the 100m.
Shadows Cast was second last at the 600m, pulled wide and kept up a strong run, he flashed into third late. Secret Allure, from the back, weaved between runners the length of the straight in a good finish for fourth.
