Bendigo Cup aim for Coongy winner Kiwia

Kiwia is on target for his main spring aim after racing to his first stakes victory at Caulfield.

Continuing a successful day for the Darren Weir stable, Kiwia came from the tail of a small field in Saturday’s Group Three Coongy Cup (2000m) to win by three-quarters of a length in his first stakes test.

The four-year-old gelding is owned and was bred by Gerry Ryan whose colours were carried to victory in the 2012 Bendigo Cup by Puissance De Lune.

“The Bendigo Cup has been the plan all along with this horse so he’s on track now after that,” Weir said.

“It would be nice if it could come off.

“We’ve been lucky enough to win it with Puissance De Lune, so hopefully this horse can do it for us again.”

The $300,000 Bendigo Cup (2400m) is on November 1.

Kiwia ($5.50) was last of the six runners at the 600m before making his move with Damian Lane aboard.

He was in a position to strike on the turn and hit the front half-way up the straight before going on to beat leader and $3 favourite Samovare.

Kiwia took his record to six wins from 10 starts.