Niagara filly Raziah will take another step toward the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton when she bids to remain unbeaten this preparation in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton on Saturday, after winning last month’s Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m).

“She probably won’t have the gate speed to get herself handy at Ashburton, she’ll probably sit midfield and hopefully they go quickly and she’ll be strong late as she always is,” Pike said.

“That should set her up nicely heading toward the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m).”

Pike will decide after this weekend whether Raziah has another run before the Classic in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on October 26.

– LOVERACING.NZ News Desk