Kowhai Magic looking to cast spell at Ashburton

by Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Kowhai Magic will be out to capture her third successive win when she lines-up in the Sims Bakery Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace (1700m) at Ashburton Raceway on Monday.

The daughter of Art Major returned to form three starts back when placing over 2000m and trainer-driver Terry Chmiel said she appreciated the step-up to 2600m in her next two outings.

“She has got a bit stronger and she likes the further distance,” Chmiel said. “Her last two races she has got pretty good runs and they were over 2600m.”

While happy with his mare, Chmiel cited the drop back to 1700m as his biggest concern heading into Monday.

“The 1700m might not suit her as much. She needs a truly run race. When they walk and sprint she is not as good, she just needs the pace on,” he said.

While the distance isn’t ideal, Chmiel said she should take plenty of benefit from the race.

“She is a funny wee mare but is in good form at the moment and seems pretty bright,” he said.

“We have injected her hocks since her last race, so that might have helped her a bit too.

“It’s just a bit of wear and tear. She gets them done every now and then and tends to improve after she gets them done.

“It is a pretty strong field so she will need a bit of luck, but she should see a bit of improvement and in her next start she will be better off for it.”

Chmiel is also looking forward to lining up Reflectionsofmylife in the Morgan Fencing Mobile Pace (2400m).

“I was really happy with her run first up. She should have improved and she will be a big chance, she loves the 2400m and won’t be far away,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chmiel has been happy with the progress of his stable this season, already recording eight victories, just six shy of his tally from last year’s extended season.

“I am only working 15 and there aren’t many racehorses there, so for what I have got they are going well,” he said.

“We are just trying to rebuild a new team.”