Gr 1 Goal for Belle Vida

No Excuse Needed’s highly-regarded daughter Belle Vida is on a mission to avenge a Gr 1 defeat suffered by her mother during her racing days.

The Matamata filly has been set for the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, a Riccarton classic that her dam Kainui Belle finished runner-up behind Taatletail in 2003.

“That’s what we’re aiming for so we’ll be heading that way and fill in the gaps between,” said Wayne Hillis who prepares the filly with his wife Vanessa.

They also guided the career of Kainui Belle who won five races including the Wellington Guineas and Eight Carat Classic at Gr 2 level, the Gr 3 Eulogy Stakes and the Listed Matamata Cup. She also placed behind King’s Chapel in the NZ 2000 Guineas.

Belle Vida moved a step closer toward her spring goal when she showed plenty of heart to post her maiden success at Te Rapa today at her second raceday appearance. She made the running under apprentice Alysha Collett and fought on determinedly in the straight to deny the favoured Zabeel filly Zurella a debut victory.

“She’s always looked like she’s needed more ground and over the 1200 metres the other day (at Te Awamutu) she was struggling all the way,” Hillis said. The result was a satisfying one for the stable as Hinuera Lodge was the sponsor of the 1400 metre event.