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Kawi wins 2016 Makfi Challenge Stakes Group 1 NZ$200,000 at Hastings (NZ), 1400m.
Although drawn wide (14) in the field of 16, last year’s winner Kawi got away as well as any but never found the rail. Jockey Leith Innes allowed him to settle midfield then made a forward move around the field as they started the bend out of the back straight. At the 700m Innes found space one off the fence standing up the leader (Southern Icon) about six lengths. He then cruised up, equal widest, to be in a good challenging position just before the last corner. Into the home straight Innes gave the big gelding a shake and immediately he bounded forward, took over the lead from Longchamp at the 200m and then ran on too strongly to the line. He never looked in danger and scored a good win.
El Pescado was midfield on the rails but was then shuffled back around the bend. He got on to the winner's back in the home straight and ran on well to grab a solid second.
Farm Boy was well back around the bend and near last (rails) turning for home. He then threaded his way through the pack, flying into third just before the post.