A long-range plan for Kiwia has paid dividends, with the three-year-old outstaying his rivals at Caulfield.
Trainer Darren Weir says the $150,000 Sheen Group VOBIS Gold Stayers had been chosen as a target race for the gelding following his win at Ballarat in May.
The $1.90 favourite was given a patient ride by jockey Damian Lane on Saturday before scoring by a length in front of Benall ($31).
Dandre ($14) was a half-head further back in third.
Weir said racing manager Jeremy Rogers recommended Kiwia aim for Saturday’s race over 2400m.
“Jeremy said this is the race you’ve got to set him for,” Weir said.
“It’s a terrific prize-money race with all the bonuses so it’s a great race to win.”
Now Weir is eyeing the Bendigo Cup in October.
“If I don’t think he’ll measure up we won’t run him but if we think otherwise that’s where he’ll be headed,” he said.
Without time for a proper break between now and the Bendigo Cup, Weir said Kiwia would be sent to his new property at Maldon.
“He’ll go to the farm now for three weeks and go on the water walker,” he said.
“We won’t be able to turn him out so he’ll freshen up.”
