KEY POINTS:
Ernie Griffiths does not have any set racing plans for in-form race mare Kiri beyond next Saturday's $60,000 Taumarunui Cup at Te Rapa.
Kiri produced a pleasing trial for the upcoming 2100m feature when ploughing through the heavy track conditions to post an easy victory in the $25,000 Fruit World 1600 at Avondale yesterday.
The owner-trainer describes himself as a "home boy" who is not keen on travelling long distances to campaign the 5-year-old mare.
"To be frank I haven't looked past the Taumarunui Cup as it's the obvious race for her with the distance and state of the tracks at the moment," said Griffiths. "She loved going around on the track here today at Avondale as it was nothing more than a track gallop for her.
I just hope that we get these similar winter conditions at Te Rapa next Saturday as she just thrives in that type of ground."
Kiri sat behind the leaders and worked three and four wide on the hometurn to challenge drawing away over the concluding stages to win by two lengths over Stone Garden with a further half-length back to Dead Rabbits (third).
The only staggering part of the performance was the massive $5.10 win odds on the New Zealand TAB following her eye-catching last-start performance to finish sixth at Te Awamutu behind Waikeepadacash.
"I could take her to Riccarton for a 2000m race during the Winter Cup meeting but I like to race my horses close to home. I'm not interested in heading to Australia with her even though she's racing so well.
"The only other race worth looking at after next week is the Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa in August but I think that'll be too short for her."
HUSBAND AND WIFE training team Mathew and Emma Faber had a busy time at Avondale yesterday saddling up back-to-back stable runners Propagate and Elevenfiftyseven.
Mathew Faber is based in Waihi and although his name appears as the trainer he is quick to give his wife much of the credit for the hard work done handling eight racehorses.
Propagate was too strong for the favourite Cullcha scoring by 1 1/2 lengths with a further three lengths to the third placed Tuscany Dancer.
"I originally bought this horse as a jumping proposition from a dispersal sale but he's pretty smart on the flat at the moment," said Faber. "He injured his tendon in May last year when racing in New Plymouth and he's just needed some time to recover from that injury.
"We've pottered around with him on the farm at home and also down at Waihi beach.
"We also take the horses into Paeroa when they need a strong gallop. We're always busy as we train them out of a barn on the farm and the staff at the moment is my wife and I."
The wait for Propagate has been worthwhile as the 7-year-old has scored three wins and four minor placings from 10 starts. A proven performer on heavy tracks, Propagate is one to follow over the winter.
A FIVE-month break from racing was not too difficult a task for Avaroadi to overcome when taking out the $25,000 First Sovereign Trust 1200.
The 6-year-old sat at the back of the six horse field and came with the last run at the leaders down the outside of the track to win by a neck over the favourite Jacowils. A further 1 3/4 lengths away third was Rat Tat.
