Illicit Dreams to kick off Guineas prep at Riccarton
Stakes winner Illicit Dreams will kick-off her preparation toward the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November when she heads to Riccarton on Saturday.
The daughter of Vancouver had a pleasing juvenile season for trainers Ken Rae and Krystal Williams, winning two of her five starts, including the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) in May, and her conditioners are hoping she can pick up where she left off this weekend.
Originally earmarked to contest the Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) earlier this month, her trainers felt she wasn’t up to the mark in time for that assignment and changed tack, electing to send her south to their Canterbury barn.
“She only just got to me in Christchurch two weeks ago,” Williams said.
“Kenny wanted to have her ready for the Breeders’ Stakes at Ruakaka but we didn’t want to push her because her aim is the Guineas.
“We can’t fault her work and she is coming along quite nicely. She had an exhibition gallop at the last meeting at Ruakaka to prepare for it.”
Williams is hopeful of a good showing this weekend, with the three-year-old set for a stakes assignment at her next outing.
“Her next start will be the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) and then we will have a gap until her next run after that,” Williams said.
While looking forward to kicking off Illicit Dreams’ spring preparation, Williams is also looking forward to giving stable apprentice jockey Danika Wilson her first raceday ride on Saturday.
The 21-year-old hoop will partner The Buffer, bringing his allotted weight down to 58kg with her four-kilogram claim.
“Danika joined me a month ago. She had a few trial rides for us and rode really well. She is a dedicated girl and works really hard,” Williams said.
“She is quite tall, so works really hard with her health and fitness.
“She is quite excited to get on a horse like him for her first start.”