5 Win Wednesday - Win 1 Cracking Kai

Richly deserved, Kai (4 m Ocean Park - Brilliant Blush, by Testa Rossa) stylishly led home a Te Akau trifecta in the $14,000 Maiden 1200 metres on 21 September at Matamata - the first of five wins on today's local programme for the stable.

Unlucky not to win last season, Kai registered five seconds in six starts, and resumed without a trial for second in the Maiden 1050 metres on 28 August at Matamata. The race was won by Pier (Proisir), subsequent runner-up to Te Akau trained Dynastic (Alamanzor) in the El Roca - Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m), making the form strong.

Tucked in midfield, Kai towed stable rider Opie Bosson into proceedings around the home turn, quickened to lead a furlong out and shot clear to walk in by five and a quarter lengths.

“She travelled hard, but just skipped away in the straight,” Bosson said.

On footing downgraded to Heavy10 after race one, Kai ran 1200 metres in 1:15.4, last 600m in 37.2 and, hotly supported, she paid $1.50 in the race sponsored by Waharoa Industrial Park.

Forming the trifecta, debutante stable-mates Elounda (Contributer) and Savoir Faire (Savabeel) finished second and third respectively.

Although a prolonged and slightly agonizing period to break through for her Maiden win, the manner of victory suggested plenty more to come for Kai.

In training for Jamie and Chanel Beatson (Ohukia Lodge), Tom Duncan, Harvey Frame and Daniel and James Worker, Kai is by Ocean Park (Thorn Park), who won five Group One races, including the Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m), and going great guns at stud. He has already sired nearly 600 winners, 34 stakes' winners, including eight at Group One level.

The presentation was made by Rose Clothier, whose late husband Bruce Clothier set up the Waharoa Industrial Park at Waharoa. He raced horses, supported the local racing club, and about 15 years ago decided to sponsor a race day at Matamata.

Trainer Mark Walker said: “It was good win today by Kai. There's not a lot of her, but she tries her heart out every time and it won't be her last win, that's for sure.”

Kai was strapped by Tracey Collis.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz