Michael Walker to ride Kawi at Te Rapa

The old team of Allan Sharrock and Michael Walker team up for a Group I mission at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Now based in Victoria, Walker served his apprenticeship with the New Plymouth trainer and they have been a potent force at the top level.

Kawi gives the combination the chance to add to their tally when the strapping son of Savabeel takes on New Zealand’s top sprinters in the $200,000 NRM Sprint (1400m).

‘‘Michael is back home for his grandmother’s unveiling and put his hand up for the ride,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘Although we didn’t get the result we were after in Perth, Michael rode the horse well and he settled really well for him.’’

Walker rode Kawi during the horse’s winless three-race Perth campaign late last year while Leith Innes was aboard in his fruitful New Zealand starts through the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival.

Kawiand Innes were devastating winning a Group I double in the Makfi (1400m) fresh-up, and backed that up in the Windsor Park (1600m).

‘‘It was a syndicate decision to keep Michael on,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘Leith has done a fantastic job, he’s a good mate of mine, but you have to make the tough decisions in racing and this was one of them.’’

Kawi has won 13 of his 26 starts and victory on Saturday would see him crack over $1 million in New Zealand-only stakes. He earned A$62,500 from his three starts in Perth which pushed his overall earnings past that mark.

Sharrock believes he is in the right shape to add to his bankroll on Saturday.

‘‘I’m very, very happy with him,’’ he said.

‘‘He looks magnificent but as a wee warning, whatever he does this weekend he’ll improve on.’’

Saturday’s race is likely to be followed by the Group I Haunui Farm (1600m) at Otaki on February 25 and then attention may go back on to another Australian campaign.