Bulkier Kawi has Sharrock excited for spring

23 June 2015

Allan Sharrock says a bigger and stronger Kawi is set to make a serious impact this spring.

The New Plymouth trainer is keeping close tabs on his star galloper as the Savabeel gelding prepares for an ambitious early five-year-old campaign beginning with the Gr.3 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on August 15.

“I’m hoping to have him at the Foxbridge Plate and then we’ll look at the triple crown at Hastings,” Sharrock said.

“As to whether he races in all three races there, we’ll just play that as it comes but I think you’ll see the real Kawi this year.”

Kawi spelled after his fast-finishing third in the Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie in April, capping a string of high-class performances, including wins in the Listed Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham and in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) at New Plymouth.

“He’s with the pre-trainer at the moment and he’ll be back to me on the first of July,” Sharrock said.

“I’d like to give him a couple of jumpouts before the Foxbridge Plate and he might have an exhibition gallop here on Opunake Cup day [at New Plymouth on July 15].

“He had five weeks out after the Easter but he’s only being paddock-trained at the moment, so basically it’s an extended holiday. He’s still being double-rugged but he’s tightening up in condition all the time.

“I’m really happy with him. He’s probably put on 50 kilos. He’s a big horse now.”

A winner of six of his 14 starts and just shy of $200,000, Kawi rates as one of the leading chances for Group One spoils at Hastings.

Entries for the first of those races, the Makfi Challenge Stakes (1400m) on August 29, close on July 21. – NZ Racing Desk

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