After a series of highly creditable performances against some of the best of his age group, Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer)broke through for his first feature-race success in Saturday’s Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m) at Trentham.
The Contributer gelding was a third placegetter on debut at Te Rapa on July 27 last year, then scored a 1400m maiden victory at the same venue a fortnight later.
Kiwi Skyhawk had gone winless through the seven months since then, but ran third in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), seventh in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and a last-start fifth in Willydoit’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
On paper, Saturday’s $150,000 Manawatu Classic appeared to be a big step down for the Stephen Marsh-trained Kiwi Skyhawk, who jumped as a $2 favourite.
Ridden for the sixth time in his career by Matt Cartwright, Kiwi Skyhawk settled near the tail of the field as Shockabella (NZ) (Shocking) set a strong pace and strung the field right out along Trentham’s back straight.
Cartwright never panicked, even when he dropped out to a clear last and more than a dozen lengths from the lead coming down the side of the track. He allowed Kiwi Skyhawk to warm into his work while waiting for the leaders to feel the effects of the torrid early pace.
The race changed rapidly coming into the home turn as the front-runners faded out of contention, and Cartwright brought Kiwi Skyhawk with big bounds down the outside. The favourite strode to the lead at the 150m mark and kicked away from a tightly bunched group of chasers, going on to win by a length.
Kiwi Skyhawk has become a real favourite for Cartwright, who celebrated his black-type breakthrough with a fist pump just after the finish line.
“I actually love riding this horse,” the Australian jockey said. “He’s the kindest horse in Marshy’s stable. That’s why I was a bit excited going past the line – just because I really like this horse and it was good for him to get this win. Hopefully he can go on with it from here.
“They rolled along for the first part of the race and I was a fair way off them. But I had a bit of trust in the horse Craig Grylls was riding, Way Out West (NZ) (U S Navy Flag), who was one of the favoured runners. I knew Craig was going to have to make a move at some stage to get into the race, so I followed him.
“I really just trusted my horse as well. I have a lot of faith in him and a lot of time for him. He proved the talent that he’s got. I’m hoping he gets some good confidence out of this win.”
Kiwi Skyhawk was part of a big afternoon for Marsh. Talented three-year-old Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth) had earlier won The Oaks Stud (1200m) in his first start since October, while Takeshi (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) provided a third win on the Trentham card in the Intowin.co.nz (1600m). Last season’s champion two-year-old Velocious was also a winner at Te Aroha.
Both Super Photon and Kiwi Skyhawk race in the colours of major Marsh stable clients the Bourbon Lane stable.
The third individual stakes winner out of the Dubawi mare Pouter, Kiwi Skyhawk was a $240,000 purchase by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock in Book 1 of Karaka 2024.
Kiwi Skyhawk has now had 10 starts for two wins, three placings and $212,975 in stakes.
“It’s a massive thrill and the horse really deserves it,” Johnson said. “With the pattern of the day today, the plan was always to get back – possibly not 14 lengths off them at the 800m, but he’s a lovely horse and it’s great to see him deliver on a big day.
“We elected to go back and ride him like the best horse in the race. We know he has a sharp turn of foot. Matt gave him a lovely, patient ride and it was a good win.
“His form has been brilliant. His run in the Karaka Millions was great, he was superb in the Avondale Guineas and his Derby run had a lot of merit as well.
“It’s not always easy with three-year-olds who go to Christchurch for the Guineas races in the spring, but Stephen has done a brilliant job. We’ve been quite light with him through the summer, which opens up the possibility of taking him to Brisbane in the winter. Bourbon Lane are a great bunch of owners who might enjoy a trip.”
Dubai’s Potiki (NZ) (Ocean Park) finished second, a head in front of Prochester (NZ) (Proisir). There was a half-head and a nose back to the fourth and fifth placegetters, Freddie Time (NZ) (Time Test) and Way Out West.
