After a series of highly creditable performances against some of the best of his age group, Kiwi Skyhawk broke through for his first feature-race success in Saturday’s Group 3 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 Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1400m), fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), fifth in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), seventh in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and a last-start fifth in Willydoit’s Group 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 with horse racing bookmakers.
Ridden for the sixth time in his career by Matt Cartwright, Kiwi Skyhawk settled near the tail of the field as Shockabella 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.
2025 Group 3 Manawatu Classic Replay – Kiwi Skyhawk
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, 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.”
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