Kawi wins 2015 Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup Group 3 NZ$80,000 at Pukekura Raceway (NZ), 1800m.
As expected, the hot favourite Kawi proved too good despite being very awkwardly away from the gates. Kawi was third last at the post with a lap to run, but bided his time on a genuine pace. On the move from ten lengths off the pace at the 600m, he displayed terrific acceleration circling widest to gain the lead 200m out and was effortless over the concluding stages.
From barrier one, Iamishwara received a nice trip midfield on the inner before finding clear galloping room at the 300m and he stuck to his task when holding second in a close finish for the minor places.
Following a nice run in fifth, Re Deel ran home well for third.
Likeapins came from the eighth on the rail, diving through for fourth after being unluckily held up near the rail.
Unlucky too was Silverdale, who tried to pick a path through midfield from second last and only saw daylight when the race was all but over.
Ninth at the 600m, Capone angled off the heels of the winner at the 250m and finished solidly for a close sixth.
