Kawi trials well before Group One sprint

Seven-time Group One winner Kawi has pleased trainer Allan Sharrock in a barrier trial ahead of his next top level mission in the Telegraph at Trentham.

The seven-year-old has not raced since he won the Group One Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on December 9 and Sharrock said he was trying to keep him fresh for the 1200 metres on Saturday week, a distance he hasn’t won at for more than three years.

Kawi trialled in blinkers at Cambridge on Tuesday and finished second to three-year-old I Got You from the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable over 935m.

“I was really happy with his trial,” Sharrock told NZ Racing Desk.

“There was no speed so he was hard on the bridle. They won’t go that slow in the Telegraph.

“The main thing was that he jumped out. He did that perfectly and probably the best he’s ever jumped.

“I’m trying to keep him fresh and with the blinkers on it was all new to him, but that’s just Kawi.”

Sacred Star, winner of the 2015 Telegraph, also had a trial over 935m and pleased trainer Tony Pike with his effort.

Kawi shares $5 favouritism with Railway Stakes winner Volpe Veloce who gave Australian jockey Jake Bayliss his first Group One win at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.