Kiwi on target

Press, 26 October 1984, Page 11

Kiwi on target

PA Wanganui Kiwi appears set to attempt to repeat his 1983 Melbourne Cup triumph on November 6 after coming through a special trial unscathed at the Waverley track yesterday. He showed no discomfort in the off-front leg joint which had shown signs of swelling earlier in the week. “He has cooled off nicely and everything looks all right at this stage,” his partowner, Mrs Anne Lupton, said after the gallop. The gallop was viewed by media representatives from both sides of the Tasman. Kiwi went through a 200 m workout ridden by his partowner and trainer, Mr “Snow” Lupton. He pulled up unharmed and a delighted Mr Lupton said there appeared to be every chance that the seven-year-old gelding would make the trip to Australia.

“He felt good all the way round and showed no sign of favouring his leg,” he said. Kiwi is expected to leave Wellington for Melbourne next Thursday. Before his departure be will have another trial, between races at the Rangitikei racing club’s fixture at Awapuni tomorrow. The club had arranged for the Bulls galloper, Third Degree, to partner Kiwi and yesterday the Levin trainer, Errol Skelton, indicated his willingness to share the trial with his Melbourne Cup runner, Rose and Thistle, which is booked for the same flight as Kiwi.