Rosewood blooms again

It took the judge a wee while before Rosewood was declared the winner on her favourite track on Sunday.

Inglewood trainer Marilyn Paewai takes her tough Rosewood filly to New Plymouth for her serious work and she obviously enjoys the trip.

Three times Rosewood has lined up in races at the venue and three times she has taken home the winner’s purse.

Paewai must wish they raced at the picturesque Pukekura Park course every week because 10 visits to other tracks have resulted in six placings but no firsts.

Rosewood had to fight hard to stave off the challenge of Keep It Savvy in the $40,000 race for 3-yearolds on Sunday but she did it in her usual determined manner under the urgings of apprentice jockey Rebecca Goldsbury.

‘‘She’s very tough especially on these heavy tracks,’’ Goldsbury said. ‘‘Once she hits the front she’ hard to get past.’’

Paewai’s bargain $4,000 Karaka weanling buy has now over $50,000 from her 14 starts with the promise of more to come.

Multiple Group I winner Kawi continued his progress towards spring campaign with a gallop between races at the meeting.

The Savabeel gelding was never under pressure as he worked at a steady pace in the hands of Jonathan Riddell over a lap.

He had the better of Lucyinrio as they quickened over the final 400 and trainer Alan Sharrock was happy with the work and confirmed plans for his charge.

‘‘We’re hoping to go to the trials at Foxton next and then into the Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa.’’

Safely through those assignments he will continue on to the Hawke’s Bay carnival.