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Kawi wins 2017 Haunui Farm Classic Group 1 NZ$200,000 at Otaki (NZ), 1600m.
Two of New Zealand's stars fought out a great dual here with Kawi just pulling clear late to score his sixth Group One victory. From barrier two, rider Jason Waddell was content to let Kawi settle midfield, against the fence, down the back straight and past the 1200m. Locked away and third last at the 700m, Kawi eased out a width then wider a few strides later to camp in behind the pace. Kawi was presented with a lovely gap at the top of the straight and cruised up to challenge. He took his time but gradually he got well into his work and ranged alongside Start Wondering and these two settled down for a great dual, Kawi pulling clear in the last strides to win well.
Start Wondering enjoyed a beautiful trail (rails) to the 500m, moved off the fence to challenge the leader and led turning in. He looked the best chance at the 200m but was worn down in the last 100m but stuck it out gallantly.
Sofia Rosa tracked the winner to the 800m but was equal last (rails). She tried to stick with Kawi but took longer to accelerate once into the straight then flashed home late to grab a distant third.
Mighty Solomon had to wait for a rails run into the straight, battled on bravely but lost third at the line.