By Heather Anderson
Unlike his relatively perfect trip in landing his second G1 Makfi Challenge S. going 1400 metres here Aug. 27, Kawi (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) did not enjoy luck in the running of the G1 Windsor Park Horlicks Plate, but found enough regardless to add the second jewel of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown to his resume Saturday. It was Kawi's fifth top-flight win.
Overracing from a three wide perch and bet down to 70 cents on the dollar, the dark bay was unable to find cover as Our Vergara (Aus) (Snippetson {Aus}) showed the way closely shadowed by Authentic Paddy (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit) and the duo of Bohemian Lily (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) and Mime (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). The 6-year-old finally settled on the far bend and pilot Leith Innes cut the Savabeel gelding loose with only 300 metres to travel. Mime kicked for home as Authentic Paddy and Our Vergara faded, but Kawi was finding his best stride four off the fence, despite not getting first run. He reeled in Mime a few jumps from the wire to win by a desperate head, while Rasa Lila (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was absolutely flying on his outside to be a short head back in third.
“We didn't have much luck out three wide, so full credit to the horse, he dug deep,” commented hoop Leith Innes to www.nzracing.co.nz. “It didn't go to plan and he still won.”
Kawi joins globetrotting champion Starcraft (NZ) (Soviet Star) (2004) and Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) (2006 and 2007) as the only other winners of the first two legs of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown. The former was runner-up in the third leg, the G1 Livamol Classic, while the latter was third and fourth in her two tries to complete the triple. Kawi is not a guarantee to line up in the 2000-metre Oct. 1 contest, either. A trip across the Tasman to contest the G1 Mackinnon S. in Melbourne or the G1 Railway S. and G1 Kingston Town Classic in Perth are also possibilities.
“It's tempting, but I've got to talk to the owners on Sunday morning,” trainer Allan Sharrock told www.nzracing.co.nz. “He's done it hard today and they still couldn't get past him. He's the best I've trained and I've had a few good ones.”
A winner of the G2 Challenge S. at Awapuni Dec. 19, Kawi rattled off two more wins–in the 2000-metre G1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie the day after Christmas and the G1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile at Trentham Jan. 23. Only third in the G1 Herbie Dyke S. over a dead track Feb. 13, the Sharrock trainee dropped two spots to be fifth in the 1600-metre G1 Haunui Farm Classic Feb. 27. Prior to his Makfi Challenge S. victory, the 6-year-old had a minor wind operation performed, but was back in form by mid-July, winning a 1000-metre barrier trial July 19.
Pedigree Notes:
One of 11 Group 1 winners by the Zabeel (NZ) stallion Savabeel (Aus) who stands at Waikato Stud, Kawi is the fourth foal from his dam and the lone stakes winner from five runners. Magic Time (NZ), who traces back to bluehen So Chic (Nasrullah) through her daughter, Adirondack S. victress Fashion Verdict (Court Martial), has a 2-year-old filly by Zed (NZ) and a Rock 'n' Pop (Aus) yearling filly.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
