Start Wondering is coming off a 1200m victory in Ellerslie's group one Railway, a nose defeat in Trentham's 1200m Telegraph and a 1400m win at Te Rapa last start.
Few horses can compete successfully at 1200m, 1400m and 1600m at Group 1 level - Start Wondering is the exception.
After Start Wondering's last three races many will be believing him to be simply a sprinter, but he has had six 1600m races for three wins and three placings before he left to join Chris Waller's Sydney stable and before he bled and returned home he won over 1500m on a heavy track at Rosehill, which would be the same as 1600m. "We've always thought 1600m was his best distance," said co-trainer Evan Rayner yesterday.
The style of most top level sprinters is to explode through 1200m to put their opposition to bed.
That's not Start Wondering, who can take up a handy position, relax and wait for the orders to be given to produce something exceptional.
His winning margin at Te Rapa was narrow over Natuzzi, but the result was never really in doubt.
"We've dug him up to be handy in recent starts because they've been sharp races, but we won't have to do that this time, he can relax a bit more early," says Rayner, who is happy with the topliner since Te Rapa.
"This will be his last start before going for a spell."
Jason Waddell will be a good addition to Kawi, who can get up and racing at times.
Waddell's kind hands should be able to manage that well.
The result? Kawi by a half head from Start Wondering, unless Sofia Rosa gets in the way.
But a dead-heat would be a better option.
Punting pointers
Better luck here: Aotearower, R2 Matamata. Hampered when making a run at leaders at Te Rapa last start. Needs only a bit better fortune.
Staggering on debut: Love Affair, R3 Matamata. Few horses, especially on debut, can come from last and win at Te Aroha despite the very long home straight. This filly could end up being exceptional.
Hitting sixes regularly: Volks Lightning, R7 Matamata. Winner of three of her last four for part-owner Brendon McCullum and with just 53kg looks well placed to make it four from the past five tomorrow.