Belle Miraaj wins 2015 Ilt Southland Guineas Listed NZ$50,000 at Ascot Park (NZ) 3yo, 1600m.
Belle Miraaj finished fourth last start in the Dunedin Guineas (Listed, 1400m), having won the Gore Guineas (Listed, 1335m) prior and justified her favouritism after a positive ride. Sent forward to position outside the leader, Belle Miraaj put the challenge to her rivals when pressing to lead at the 500m and turned a one length advantage cornering for the short home straight into two lengths at the line.
Tracking the winner throughout, Riding Shotgun was urged to improve when the pace increased at the 600m and ran on solidly to just hold second from Joby who sustained a big finish, near the rail, after travelling sixth on the inner.
From back in the field, Gold Allure circled widest from the 500m and kept up a solid finish for fourth.
