Conditions against Kawi
Kawi might be the class horse of the field but even his trainer is shocked with his favourites tag for tomorrow’s Foxbridge Plate (1200m).
Allan Sharrock’s reaction to Kawi’s $4.50 favouritism for the $100,000 race gives the distinct impression he is not rushing down to his local to punt his six-time Group I winner.
The weight for age conditions are a major plus for Kawi, who holds a rating of 111, but Sharrock predicts the Te Rapa track will negate that.
The Te Rapa surface was rated a slow 9 yesterday but showers are predicted to fall today – with heavy rain likely tomorrow.
Sharrock said that scenario will work against his million dollar earner.
‘‘He’s always shown a reluctance to really let down in heavy conditions,’’ he said.
Perfect Fit has been opened second favourite at $5 ahead of Coldplay at $8.50.
Kawi is almost certain to start, even if the track deteriorates during the day, because he needs the run before the first Group I of the season (Tarzino Trophy) at Hastings in two weeks time.
Te Rapa is the second best winter track in the country behind Ruakaka in Sharrock’s opinion, so he is pinning his hopes on the track not being as bad as some are fearing.
His main target comes on September 2 in the Tarzino Trophy and as much as Sharrock wants to win the Foxbridge Plate, he is not hiding where his priorities lie.
Sharrock believes Kawi is forward in his preparation, following two trials, but he is not holding his breath for a win on Saturday.
‘‘If he hits the line nicely I’ll be more than happy.’’
The New Plymouth-based trainer wants to win the Tarzino Trophy (formally the Makfi Challenge Stakes) for the third consecutive time with Kawi and the fourth as a trainer following I Do’s win in 2014.
‘‘I’d love to win that again with him, not many horses can win a race like that three years in a row.’’
The Haunui Farm winning combination of Kawi and Jason Waddell will be back together on Saturday.
Waddell, who has a perfect record this season of two wins from two rides to match his match his 100 per cent strike rate on Kawi, will have to contend with barrier 14.
But Sharrock is happy to be drawn to the outside because he feels by race five the field will be looking to get to the outside.
Sharrock’s loose plan for Kawi this season is to run in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and Windsor Park Plate (1600m), before skipping the final leg of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown (Livamol Classic) to prepare for the Captain Cook Stakes (1600m), then freshen up for the Telegraph (1200m) before heading to the NRM Sprint (1400m) and then the defence of his Haunui Farm WFA crown.
He has no plans to race Kawi over 2000m at this stage.
Heading to Melbourne in the spring with Kawi has not been ruled out but staying home is the most likely option at this stage.
The Savabeel gelding is now seven and Sharrock is taking a realistic approach to taking on the best horses in Australasia.
‘‘Horses are no different to rugby players. As they get older they don’t necessarily get better you just hope they hold their form.’’
If Kawi’s performances were to exceed expectations, thoughts of Melbourne would become more serious.
Sharrock has not ruled out setting up a stable in Victoria, as he indicated back in February, but he is in no rush.
‘‘It’s on the backburner at the moment but if things don’t improve here soon it won’t be just me that’s looking at going over there.’’