The G1 Thorndon Mile lost the likely leader just before the start when Girl Of My Dreams was scratched at the barrier and it changed the entire complexion of the race. Kawi ended up getting a dream run fourth the outer throughout and once urged to lengthen his stride took a narrow lead at the 200m and held on to win by a long neck in 1:35.16. It was strangely just his second ever win at the mile and his eleventh win from twenty-two starts. He has won this season alone three times at G1 from 1400m to 2000m and in both directions. Trentham is a favoured track of the 5yo gelding and it raced today a tad off as the times were substandard once you eliminate all chute times (800m to 1200m) as they can never ever be believed or taken seriously. Stolen Dance once again had to settle for second behind Kawi and the mare is suddenly beginning averagely, which is something she normally never did. It means instead of having a buffer from Kawi turning for home she is having to try and bury him and has got close twice now. If she had begun better or not allowed Kawi to wrest the initiative away near the home turn then Stolen Dance could have won the last two outings at G1 instead of being second each time. She needs to make Kawi try and bury her by attempting to steal a race and putting him under pressure to mow her down so hopefully that happens this season. Sports Illustrated fought hard for a close third and with another run under her belt could have won this without a doubt. She looks to have the G1 fillies and mares mile at her mercy in April and maybe an Easter Handicap after that but first may tackle a G1 versus allcomers next at Te Rapa. Mabeel fought on for fourth at his first run in the big time after making the lead and looks to be a handicap player this season at least with the Easter Handicap an ideal target. Soriano ran on late as usual once into clear air while Mighty Solomon was not too bad but he is not quite the same force this campaign and you only have to be off your game a fraction to get exposed at G1. Ringo got too far back and never let got properly the run home like some others such as Addictive Habit and Julinsky Prince that were both very poor. A raid on the Queensland winter carnival is now on the agenda for Kawi safely through one or two more runs in New Zealand. Stolen Dance and Sports Illustrated are mares that have it all ahead this season wherever they are aimed. A stronger clip in the race would have suited several more in the race but that includes the winner too so is a moot point. Kawi does not have to be back or hemmed up in traffic to unleash fully once urged and find his top gear so this could be pivotal once exposed to the superior depth G1 fields in Australia.