Kiwi Legend ... first of the weekend?
Trainer Mike Reed gave rivals a daunting warning after Kiwi Legend brilliantly won the Pegasus Sweetmax Derby Prelude (2130m) in his WA debut at Gloucester Park tonight.
Reed said the New Zealand import had yet to reach peak fitness and could improve considerably before he tackled the $200,000 WA Derby (2536m) on April 17.
"He went in to the prelude only 90 per cent fit," Reed said. "We plan to give Kiwi Legend another race before the Derby. One more lead-up start should ensure he is at his best in the big race."
An anticipated tight finish tonight between Kiwi Legend ($6.70), driven by Reed's son Mark, and hot favourite Beaudine Boaz ($1.30) did not eventuate.
Beaudine Boaz mixed his gait at the 600m, after racing outside front runner Kiwi Legend.
Reinsman Gary Hall eased Beaudiene Boaz in the home straight and he finished about 40m behind Kiwi Legend, who rated 1:54.7.
Stewards said a post-race veterinary inspection had found nothing amiss with Beaudiene Boaz, a winner at his previous seven starts.
Military Master ($33.80) ran second in tonight's prelude, 5.8m from Kiwi Legend, and All Aussie Boy ($18.10) was a further 2.5m back in third place.
In final minutes of betting, Beaudine Boaz was backed from $1.70 and Kiwi Legend also firmed, after being at $7.60.
Mike Reed bought Kiwi Legend in New Zealand, on behalf of Perth owners Albert and Julie Walmsley, following wins by the gelding last month at his first two starts.
"I felt there was a lot of pressure on us tonight," the trainer said. "Kiwi Legend came here with a big reputation. It's a long time since I've been so nervous before a race."
Reed also trains WA Oaks and Golden Nugget Championship winner Libertybelle Midfrew for the Walmsleys.
"Libertybelle Midfrew has come back well from a spell and her work is being stepped up," Reed said.
"Kiwi Legend and Libertybelle Midfrew look top prospects for Albert and Julie."
Five-year-old Smokey The Bandit, driven by Ashleigh Markham, scored his second Gloucester Park win in a week when finishing powerfully to beat tonight's Clarke Final (2130m) favourite Erskine Range.
Smokey The Bandit ($6.50), who rated 1:56, drew 6m clear of Erskine Range ($2) and third placegetter Mon Lamour ($14) was another 7m behind.
Busselton trainer Michael Callegari turned around Smokey The Bandit's form after he struck a drought.
The grey had a nine-run losing sequence before breaking through to win last Friday.
