By Alan Carasso
Kiwi Karma (NZ) (Fast N Famous {Aus}), one of the top sprinters in Singapore, remains on track for a start on Dubai World Cup night after posting a facile one-length victory in a Kranji 'A' event going 1200 meters Friday evening.
A tote malfunction led to a 40-minute delay to the start of the race, but taking full advantage of a low draw in two, jockey Manoel Nunes bounced the 4-year-old filly straight into the lead when the gates were sprung and took them along through 800 meters in :45.92. China Horse Club's Wimbledon (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), the 5-1 second favorite, tried the fleet filly the length of the stretch, but Kiwi Karma proved not for catching, scoring by a length as the 4-5 chalk (video).
“She had 57kgs (126 pounds) on her back and don't forget she's not big, but I was more confident about her winning tonight as she was really fit,” Nunes explained. “She came on so much more after her last win. “She's a straightforward filly and never lets you down. I could feel Wimbledon coming up but once I gave her one smack, she just kept finding all the way to the line.”
Kiwi Karma holds entries for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint up the 1000-meter turf course and the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, and and Michael White, assistant to trainer Michael Clements, says it's full steam ahead as they await an invite.
“Dubai is still on the cards and I guess it's one step closer after tonight,” he commented. “The plan is to next race her in the Merlion Trophy, but we'll have to see how she gets out of tonight's ordeal.”
The Merlion Trophy is scheduled for 1200 meters over the Polytrack Mar. 6, a race that could also include two-time defending champion and the Dubai-nominated El Padrino (NZ) (Mr Nancho {Arg}).
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