Racing: Soggy track could outfox Kawi

Kawi wins the Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hastings on a slowish track last year.Picture / NZME

Perhaps not surprisingly trainer Allan Sharrock is worried about the rain-affected Te Rapa for Kawi in tomorrow's $100,000 Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate.

Which begs the question: how much risk on that score can you work into the $4.50 the TAB rated Kawi on its Final Field market yesterday.

Probably a bit, but not too much.

So much will depend on how much rain Hamilton received in the predicted pour last night.

The track was already a slow 9 yesterday. It will possibly tip into heavy with significant rain and the one critical statistic to remember here is that Kawi has NEVER raced in heavy conditions, much less won.

He has had just one win in the slow and in that, the 1400m group one Makfi last year, he ran the trip in a sharp 1.24.87 on a surface that was probably better than its rating. His best run on a rain-affected track was when making up a big slice of ground into third in the Easter Stakes at Ellerslie on a fairly deep surface.

Kawi is as forward as he's ever been at this part of the season and everything here comes down to the state of the footing.

If it stays in the slow range he's probably a hope, in the heavy he's probably too vulnerable. The advantage is that two of the main dangers, Perfect Fit and Cold Play, have no real form in the wet.

Perfect Fit can handle some give in the ground - she was impressive winning on a heavy track at the Te Teko trials - but trials are different to raceday. You cannot totally rule Perfect Fit out.

One of the best 3-year-olds of two seasons back, Rangipo, is worth consideration. His 4-year-old year did not develop as expected, but plenty of that type find form again at five.
The wet trackers are Authentic Paddy, Mime, Underthemoonlight, Southern Icon and possibly Mighty Soloman.

●Plenty of talented young horses racing at Taupo today and once again the rain has played a part.

Two crack 3-year-olds clash in Race 5, Belle Du Nord and Caesour's Dream. Both are resuming and look towards high honours this season.

Belle Du Nord was not far short of the best juveniles last season and Caesour's Dream led them up in an open heat at the Te Teko trials, being run down late into third behind Perfect Fit. Great form for this type of race.

I Got You in the final race today was eye-catching at the Te Teko trials. This is not a hugely strong maiden field and I Got You probably should get you. Mofara, in Race 3, showed flashes of real talent at two last season. Won't be in maidens long, perhaps not after today.

The form of Aotearower (R4) tailed off towards the end of her last campaign, but only after showing signs of real potential. She won when resuming last season and could do the same again this afternoon.

City Boy is a fit horse.

Weekend pointers
Better this time: Wooden Edge, R4, Te Rapa. Only fifth last start, which followed two impressive victories. Looks well placed this time.

Rain would help: Youwantmore, R2, Te Rapa. Loves the mud and showed it winning at Taranaki. If this track deteriorates she comes right into favour.

Impressive at trials: I Got You, R7, Taupo. Looks promising and does not face a strong field.