Watch Kai Fly

Parading in great order, Kai (5 m Ocean Park – Brilliant Blush, by Testa Rossa) sprinted home to win the $40,000 NZB Ready to Run Sale Trainers Series Rating 75 1300 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Hemmed up in the rear group before closing strongly for fifth to winning stable-mate Petrucci (I Am Invincible) in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 7 October at Matamata, Kai boasts genuine attributes and appeared capable of another bold showing with a decent trip from barrier seven.

Ridden by leading jockey Warren Kennedy, recording his third victory on the programme, Kai positioned beyond midfield, eight lengths 600m, angled clear widest on straightening and stormed home with an unrelenting finish. 

“That was really good,” said Kennedy, on dismounting. “I thought I might have got there a bit quickly and possibly peaked at the 50m, but she powered on again.”

On footing upgraded to Good3, Kai ran 1300 metres in 1:15.8, last 600m in 34.6, and paid $9.10 & $2.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

There to welcome her back to the winner’s stall, Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM was taken with the performance.

“That was a huge win to come from well back in the field, and Warren really is riding in outstanding form.

“She’s owned by Jamie and Chanel Beatson and their friends and she’s been such an enjoyable mare for them to race. 

“Mares that have a really good turn of foot, like her, when they get the right trip they’re very exciting and she flew home today.

“You’ve got to love horses that give their best every time.”

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 well as a stallion at Waikato Stud. He has already sired 725 winners, 40 stakes winners, including nine at Group One level. 

Not the biggest, but incredibly honest, Kai has recorded four wins, six seconds, and seven thirds, from 23 starts. 

Co-trainer Mark Walker said: “She tries so hard and it was a great win today. 

“She’s got a big heart, gives 100 percent every time she goes out and going to make a lovely broodmare. She’s going to be served by Profondo (Deep Impact).”

Accepting spoils on behalf of the trainers, Sam Bergerson said: “Thank you to New Zealand Bloodstock for their sponsorship.

“The upcoming Ready to Run Sale is one that Te Akau looks forward to each year and has had plenty of success with their purchases. 

“This year is going to be no different, talking to Dave (Ellis) and Mark (Walker), and they’ll be trying to buy some nice ready-to-run two-year-olds.

“She’s not very big, Kai, but she always tries hard and built a pretty good record.”

Kai was strapped by Mallesh Saddari.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz