Gold Cup likely aim for Kawi

6 March 2015

A Group Two challenge is the next preferred option for the exciting Kawi.

Trainer Allan Sharrock is considering his immediate options for the rising star and is keener on a target closer to home for his lead performer.

“Theoretically, the Awapuni Gold Cup is the right race to have a go at, but it will be six weeks between runs,” he said.

“That’s where we will probably go and have a 1400 metre trial at Foxton before that.

“If I did deviate from that plan it would be the Easter Handicap, but I would be a bit worried about the weight he’d get with his rating so I am leaning toward the Gold Cup.”

Kawi won the Listed Anniversary Handicap at Trentham two starts back before he ran away with the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup on his home track.

He was too good there for Iamishwara, who has since come out and won the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic at Otaki.

While that form line hasn’t escaped Sharrock, he isn’t in any rush to take on the very best with Kawi with the Melbourne spring carnival a longer-term aim.

“There’s plenty of time for that and I’ve never been in any hurry with him,” Sharrock said.

“I want to take him along slowly and we’ll be looking at the first two legs of the Triple Crown at Hastings next season.

“If he could win one of those, and there’s every chance he can on what I’ve seen – I won one with I Do and he’s right there with her – then that would qualify him for a race like the Cox Plate, but there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge yet.” – NZ Racing Desk.

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It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

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