Kawi edges out Start Wondering in Group 1 Haunui Classic
IT’S fair to say Kawi has been an enigmatic runner for New Zealand trainer Allan Sharrock, but those issues were put to bed at Otaki on Saturday.
New Zealand’s highest-rated galloper took out the Group 1 Haunui Classic at Otaki in a two-horse war against the former Chris Waller-trained Start Wondering.
Start Wondering looked to have pinched a winning break in the straight, but the pure class of Kawi reeled it in and Sharrock was pleased with its turn-of-foot over the concluding stages.
“The second horse is a class galloper,” Sharrock said. “Our horse was strong late in the race.
“Jason (Waddell, jockey) played the waiting game, got him out in the open in the straight and he was dominant in the last few strides. It was great to see.”
Kawi is now a winner of 14 from 31 starts and although it wasn’t able to show its best form in Australia, the classy type has won over $1 million in stake money on home soil.
It will likely head to the Bonecrusher Stakes on Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie – a track in which it won the 2015 Zabeel Classic at.
“I’m leaning towards the race at Ellerslie for him next,” Sharrock said. “I think he’s crying out for 2000 metres now.”
Start Wondering lost no admirers in finishing second, but will likely spell throughout the autumn after a lengthy campaign which included three stakes-race wins.
Another big winner on the day was Gold Fever in the Group 2 Breeders’ Stakes at Matamata.
The Te Akau-raced filly is a half-sister to last year’s winner Gold Rush, in which Te Akau finished second behind with Sassy ‘N’ Smart.
“David Ellis bought her on the Gold Coast for A$110,000 from Waikato Stud,” co-trainer Jamie Richards said.
“Obviously she’s a half-sister to Gold Rush who won this last year. We were a bit unlucky in coming second last year with Sassy ‘N’ Smart, so it’s good to get the win today.”
There was plenty of money for debut winner Ujjayyi, but after running off on the turn, the gap was left open for Opie Bosson to take and Gold Fever sprinted well to hold off Joyfilly.
“She got knocked sideways coming out of the gate, so I ended up in that spot by accident,” Bosson said. “But it ended up being the right place to be with such a strong pace.
“She’s a tough little filly. She’s not the easiest to ride, and Cameron Lammas has done an amazing job of educating her. He made my job a lot easier.”
Gold Fever improved its record to five starts for three wins and two placings. Richards credited the ride of Opie Bosson, who is Te Akau’s contracted rider.
“We set our sights on this race after the Eclipse, because she wasn’t eligible for the Karaka Million,” Richards said.
“Opie put her in a lovely spot today behind a breakneck speed. She relaxed really well and closed off strongly.
“She’s not very big, but she’s super tough and has a massive heart.
“These Savabeels are tough horses. She’s a filly with a real attitude, but come race day she’s very hard to get past.”
Gold Fever is tipped to start in the Group 1 Diamond Stakes on March 11.
“I’d say Gold Fever will carry on to the Group One at Ellerslie now,” Richards said. “The two-week gap should suit her and she’s run well at Ellerslie before.”