Six of the best for Kawi

Kawi bagged his sixth Group One title on Saturday when he trumped the in-form Start Wondering at Otaki. The Haunui Farm WFA Classic was widely viewed as a match race between the two and so it developed with the New Plymouth representative gaining the upper hand close to the post.

“To me he was very strong late and looking like he wants 2000 metres now,” trainer Allan Sharrock said. Jason Waddell was having his first ride on Kawi and he played his part to perfection to guide Savabeel’s best son to victory.

“He’s class and they played the waiting game and when they got out into the open he was dominant in the last few strides,” Sharrock said. “I’ll speak to Jason, but I’m leaning toward the 2000 metre at Ellerslie next.”

The Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes in a fortnight’s time is the race Sharrock has his eye on and will then make a choice between Sydney or Brisbane. Kawi settled back on the rails before Waddell got him off the fence near the 600 metre mark to improve around runners and a sustained finish saw him reel in Start Wondering, who led at the top of the straight.