Platinum Witness wins 2014 N Z Bloodstock 42nd 1000 Gneas Group 1 NZ$300,000 at Riccarton Park (NZ) 3yo Fillies, 1600m.
Backing up from a solid fourth a week earlier in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m), the filly Platinum Witness presented in terrific order. Steadied to one off the rail in eighth, she had plenty of work to do passing the 600m and tracked into the clear widest on straightening. Platinum Witness unleashed a surging finish to level with the leader 100m out and went on to score decisively.
Second placed Darci's Dream was urged from the gates to assume the lead at the 1200 metres, maintaining a solid tempo. Asked for her best on straightening at the 450m, Darci’s Dream kept up a resolute gallop only to be picked up over the concluding stages.
Having received a comfortable trip in fourth, Belle Miraaj opted for an inside run from the 600m as the field fanned wider and sustained a strong finish for third.
From beyond midfield on the inner, Matakana worked up in behind runners, well away from the rail, turning from home but required switching ground to the inside for a run and rounded off strongly for fourth.
Consensus came wide in the straight, from third last, to make up good ground for fifth.
The $1.70 favourite O'Marilyn raced on the pace in the open and tired from the 200m to finish seventh beaten just over six lenghts.
