-2004.JPG)
Kihael Kaluna is the early standout in the Group 3 Ladbrokes Magic Maiden (520m) series – and there could be plenty more to come from the exciting pup yet.
The newcomer produced a scorching 29.69 run to win the first of 11 heats of the $25,000-to-the-winner series at Wentworth Park and establish himself as the pick for this Friday's semi-finals.
Watch Kihael Kaluna’s run here.
It was a commanding performance from the son of Oaks Road x She’s The Goodes, who was a $1.40 shot after impressing in two earlier performance trials at Bathurst over the 450m.
Owner-trainer Kim Hyde admitted she was surprised by the high-quality run on Sunday night, especially as Kihael Kaluna has struggled for full fitness recently.
“I’m delighted,” she said. “I thought we could get his time down, but only with a few more runs.
“He hurt his toe back in December and to have time off as we didn’t want to push him.
“He looks like he has got that bit of pace and I hope there’s a bit more improvement in him yet.”
Kihael Kaluna pinged the lids from box one and raced away to score a commanding win ahead of Dream Mender and Miami Demon.
Hyde stressed she was not getting carried away with the run, but did say her new charge reminded her of impressive sprinter True Kihael.
He won 25 of 46 starts, including 10 of 20 Wentworth Park appearances and raced in the top grade from his ffith start.
“True Kihael had a good attitude and this one looks similar,” Hyde said. “He has a good temperament.
“True Kihael had good pace and so does this fellow, but it’s hard to compare them yet.
“Box one would be nice in the semis but I’m not sure it matters (as) his biggest asset is his pace.”
Another notable performer was Ruth Matic’s Black Bear Lee, who won heat 10 in 29.81.
A son of Brett Lee, he looks to have inherited at least some of his father’s devastating pace.
Down Every Road was another impressive winner in the 11th heat and also looks one to watch in the semi-finals.
The Melinda Finn-trained son of WORLD TITLE x Miss Bel Air zipped out of box four and held off challenger Paua Shot well down the home straight to win in 29.69.
Watch Down Every Road’s win here.
Marty Hallinan’s Zipping Meg won her heat in 30.03 ahead of Mark Gatt’s highly promising Prince Omar, who had previously trialled superbly at Wentworth Park.
Magic Maiden semi-finals are run this Friday, with the $25,000-to-the-winner decider taking place on Golden Easter Egg finals night the Saturday after (April 4).
