Kawi’s broad shoulders will be put to a formidable test if New Zealand’s weight-for-age star makes one more appearance before chasing two massive paydays in Perth.
The Savabeel six-year-old has been set for the $A1 million Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 19 and a return to the Ascot course a fortnight later for the $A1 million Gr.1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
“He could have a run on October 29 at the Feilding meeting at Awapuni in the Redcraze Bowl,” trainer Allan Sharrock said.
Kawi won the race last year with apprentice Dylan Mo’s three kilo claim reducing his impost to 59kg.
“They’ve told me that he’ll be allotted the phenomenal weight of 67.5kg, which even with the claim of Alfred (Chan) means he’ll have to carry 64.5kg,” Sharrock said. “He has won five Group Ones, but even so.
“If I think the weight is far too much then I could trial him, but I’m trying to get him ready for million dollar races and can I do that on a trial? I’ll have to have a think about it.”
Sharrock has also been working his way through travel arrangements and the easiest route to get Kawi to Western Australia.
“He’s likely to fly to Melbourne the week before the first race and then rest up for a couple of days before he goes on to Perth,” he said.
“The alternative is a direct flight on November 13, but that would mean 14 or 15 hours and that could be too much.”
Kawi’s current record stands at 13 wins from 26 starts for stake earnings of just over $945,000, which has left Sharrock questioning the spread of money following recent stake increases to Group Three races.
“After he won both the Group Ones at Hastings I found out the Wellington and New Zealand Cups are now going to be worth more than both of them – I’m gutted and that’s why we don’t keep the good horses here,” Sharrock said.
“He’s won five Group Ones and he hasn’t cracked a million yet, it’s unbelievable.”
– NZ Racing Desk
