Kawi primed for Classic
Kawi tuned up for this tilt at the Kingston Town Classic with a gallop at Ascot on Tuesday.
His New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock is pleased with the Savabeel gelding’s progress since his race a fortnight ago.
Sharrock is eagerly awaiting Saturday’s A$1 million Classic over 1800m at Ascot.
‘‘He galloped enormous this morning,’’ he said. ‘‘He’s thriving and now all we hope for is a suitable draw when they do that about 7.30 tonight.
‘‘Everything is spot on and we won’t have to do a lot more before Saturday.’’
Kawi has had two starts in Australia this preparation and most recently ran sixth under top weight in the Railway Stakes and his trainer believes Saturday’s weight-for-age contest will suit the 6-year-old.
‘‘He was always going to find it hard in the Railway giving away so much weight, but he still went really well,’’ Sharrock said.
Melbourne-based Kiwi jockey and former Sharrock apprentice, Michael Walker will bypass two midweek meetings to be at his best to partner Kawi.
He was stood down from his rides at Moonee Valley on Saturday after injuring his hip in a barrier accident early in the day and he also missed Tuesday’s meeting at Werribee and Bendigo on Wednesday.
‘‘He will be alright, no problem there,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘I’ve talked to him and he assured me he will be at the top of his game for Saturday.’’
A field of 16 has been declared for the race with Kawi on the third line of betting with Crownbet at $7.50.
The favourite is Perfect Reflection ($4.20) with Scales Of Justice ($4.60) next best in the betting with New Zealand-owned Mackintosh ($9).
The Chris Waller 4-year-old is raced by Wellington owners Lib Petagna, Tony Muollo senior and Tony Muollo junior and finished just ahead of Kawi in the Railway Stakes when fourth. Mackintosh won two races when trained by Bridge before his sale and departure to Waller and has added a further four in Australia.