Kawi on song in trial

Kawi is back preparing to take on the best New Zealand can throw at him.

The Allan Sharrock-trained Savabeel gelding was super impressive at Tuesday’s Foxton trials clocking the fastest 1000m heat on the programme.

He put five lengths on his opposition without jockey Jonathan Riddell asking for a major effort.

The next quickest time was from a Kevin Gray-trained maiden Shemuloc who won by two lengths and clocked 59.2.

It was Kawi’s first public appearance since his return from a three-start Perth campaign late last year.

‘‘I asked Jonathan to make him do a bit otherwise they would have run 1:01 and he extended beautifully when asked,’’ Sharrock said.

‘‘As far as I was concerned he needed a good hit-out, he’s still very big in condition. I was thrilled, he’s back going as good as he ever has and possibly better.’’

Without winning, Kawi earned A$62,500 in Perth which takes his overall earnings past the $1m mark, but Sharrock felt his star should have done better.

He is keen to see how he does in his next few starts before contemplating a return to Australia, possibly to either Sydney or Melbourne in the autumn.

The Group I NRM Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 11 followed by the Group I Haunui Farm (1600m) at Otaki on February 25 are his immediate targets.

‘‘I will then decide whether he goes to the New Zealand Stakes [WFA 2000m at Ellerslie on March 11]. It depends on what he does in his first two runs and that will also decide what he does in Australia.

‘‘He will tackle weight-for-age races but it’s whether we go 2000m or stay at a mile.’’

One thing his New Plymouth trainer is certain about is the Perth trip has done the 6-year-old no harm.

‘‘I think the trip might have made a man out of the boy,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘He’s bigger and stronger – you wouldn’t fault him at the moment.’’