Badawiya Primed for Kewney Stakes Return

Badawiya produced a number of standout results for Mick Price through the Spring Carnival and is reportedly primed for a big first-up performance in Saturday’s Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

Badawiya will return to racing in Saturday's Kewney Stakes at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Badawiya will return to racing in Saturday’s Kewney Stakes at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Finishing outside the first three only once through her seven start career so far, Badawiya more than stamped herself as a filly to follow from the outset, but had clearly kicked up a gear when ending her campaign an impressive third in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m).

Having taken plenty of benefit from her time away from racing and subsequent return to work, Price told Racing Ahead the daughter of Al Maher is a picture of health and he is excited to see her return in the 2016 Kewney Stakes.

“I missed the 1200m race but she’s good as gold,” Price said.

“She worked over 1200m this morning, Craig Newitt rode her and she comes to hand quickly, and I just think she’ll be pretty competitive.

She’s going really well so I’m looking forward to her.”

Returning in spring for second in the Choices Maiden Plate (1208m) at Sale on July 9th, Badawiya continued to improve dramatically when breaking through for a maiden race win in the Welcome Ecyle Solutions Maiden (1200m) on August 15th; hitting the line more than seven lengths in the clear of her closest rival.

Unlucky to be blocked for a run in the final stages of the talent-rich Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) on September 5th, the filly out of Sayuri San returned to winning form with a slashing run in the Australian Seed & Turf BM64 (1400m) on September 23rd; beating to the line the likes of Tivaci, More Than Most and Patch Adams.

Arguably producing a career-best performance to date on October 4th however, Badawiya strolled to the lead in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) on October 4th, setting a good tempo in transit before savaging the line for a comfortable two length win.

The 2016 Kewney Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.