Classy Kwai romps home
WELL- BRED two- year- old Kwai lived up to her trial form by scoring an impressive debut win in a two-year-old and upward maiden over 1000m in Devonport yesterday.
The Barry Campbell-trained filly was backed in from $2.20 to start the $1.45 favourite with most fixed odds operators, but those who took the short odds would have been on edge soon after the start.
She missed the start slightly and was then pole-axed, but she recovered quickly with Craig Newitt on top to settle fifth and remain within striking distance turning for home.
When Newitt eased her three wide to challenge, the filly quickly cruised to the leaders and then powered home to score by two lengths from Swinley Forest, with Caesar’s Quest a close third.
Kwai (War-Pontington) scored an effortless trial win in Devonport four weeks ago and was set to make her debut soon after, but a slight hiccup in her preparation caused Campbell to scratch the filly.
“We’ve had an opinion of this filly for some time and today I thought something drastic would have to go wrong for her to be beaten,” Campbell said. “I worked her with my good three-year-old filly Derasa on Tuesday and there was nothing between them in the gallop and Derasa ran a cracker of a race at Caulfield on Saturday to run third, so I thought this filly would only have to take that gallop into the race to win.
“When she’s missed the start I was a bit concerned, but she recovered well and Craig looked after the rest.
“She’s won against older and more experienced horses, so she’s obviously got plenty of natural ability.”
Kwai is raced by Denise Martin from Star Thoroughbreds and her colours were also in the winner’s stall in a benchmark 58 handicap courtesy of Moorcroft scoring an impressive first-up win.
Moorcroft settled midfield but was the widest runner turning for home and when apprentice Breaana Smith called on the gelded son of Foxwedge for the supreme effort, he rattled home down the outside of the track to win comfortably. LONGFORD trainer Bill Ryan is predicting a bright future for his well-bred filly Nova Vista after her impressive maiden win over 1350m.
Nova Vista settled near last and was still towards the rear of the field turning for home but, when rider Newitt called on her for an effort, she powered home to score narrowly from Mississippi Grand.
“I have no doubts this filly will make a stayer and hopefully in a year or so she can be aimed at the cups.” Ryan said.
“She is one of the most laidback horses I’ve trained and nothing seems to faze her.
“I’ll push on with her for a while and try and pick up another win before she heads to the paddock.”