Sharrock delighted with Kawi before Hastings
Kawi, a raging favourite for the Group I Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on Saturday, will complete his preparation with a solid gallop on Tuesday.
New Plymouth horseman Allan Sharrock has noticed improvement in the Savabeel gelding since his win in the Group I Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hastings on August 27.
‘‘He’s tightened up slightly and his coat’s improved,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘I gave him a jump out last Friday just to keep him where I want him to be [fitness-wise]. He’s done everything I’ve wanted . . . he’s spot on.’’
Kawi is at $1.90 in the TAB’S Futures win market, while on the second line of betting are Rasa Lila and Capella at $8. Rasa Lila will be ridden by Sydney jockey Jason Collett.
After Kawi contests the Windsor Park Plate, Sharrock will firm up plans on whether to aim him at the Mackinnon Stakes (Melbourne) or Group racing in Perth. The Mackinnon and the Emirates Stakes have swapped days at the Melbourne Cup carnival. The Victorian Racing Club has moved the Mackinnon to the fourth day (November 5) and shifted the Emirates to the first day (October 29).
‘‘The club in Perth is very keen to get him [Kawi] over there,’’ Sharrock said.
If the Perth trip went ahead, Kawi would be flown to West Australia with Kiwi pacers entered for the Interdominions series there in November and December.
Gypsy Fair, who won Saturday’s Group III Metric Mile at Awapuni for Sharrock, is having a week off. Madonna Mia will represent the stable in an open 2000m at Hastings and then heads to Novara Park Stud in the Waikato to be mated with Sweynesse.
Last season’s leading jockey, Lisa Allpress, has started a threemonth contract in Japan.
Her New Zealand agent Aidan Rodley said Allpress was eager to gain a ride in the Japan Cup in Tokyo on November 27. The 2400m event is held on turf and was won by Matamata mare Horlicks in 1989. Allpress rode for three months in Japan last year.