Weighty matter on Sharrock’s mind
Punters could do worse than put their faith in Allan Sharrock’s team on Saturday.
His renowned home track success is always a factor in racing at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Raceway. By his standards he has a small, albeit select team entered for the Opunake Cup meeting.
His runner in the Listed feature, the $65,000 Opunake Cup (1400m) is Bishopbriggs ($11) to be ridden by New Zealand’s champion jockey Lisa Allpress.
The astute trainer is thrilled with the 5-year-old Savabeel gelding’s preparation but has concerns around his proximity in the weights to some better performed opponents.
‘‘At the weights, there’s a couple there that are going to be tough to beat,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘But what do you do? He’s been set for the race and I’m really, really happy with him and his work has been nothing short of exceptional.’’
Bishopbriggs is having just his 10th race and has won four displaying outstanding ability on wet tracks.
As a front moves towards Pukekura Raceway’s already heavy track, he is going to get conditions to suit. A good performance will encourage Sharrock to progress towards the $100,000 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton in a fortnight.
Stablemate Darci Mac might accompany him to the Winter Cup if he produces his best in the Rating 75 1400 earlier in the day.
‘‘He would have to win or go a top race to go to Riccarton,’’ Sharrock said. ‘‘But he has also worked really well.’’
Once again, weight is on the mind of the Darci Brahma gelding’s trainer.
‘‘Emily Farr, one of the best claimers in the business, reduces his weight by 3kg but he still gives Ilone’s horse [New York Minute trained by Ilone Kelly] 4kg and it goes alright.’’ Ladies First and Art Deco are stable runners to also have the services of Allpress. Dylan Thomas filly Ladies First, the winner of two from three, is a horse that Sharrock predicts to have a bright future.
‘‘I think she’s going to be a bonny staying filly,’’ he said.
In the meantime she will run as a $2.50 favourite in Saturday’s 3-year-old 1600.
‘‘I’ll have a talk to her owners the O’leary boys, and we might give her three months in the paddock after the weekend with an eye to staying races next autumn.’’
Among her opponents are stablemate Ishinktaatledo who her trainer thinks is better than a forlorn hope. ‘‘On paper she can’t be in it – but the blinkers go on and she’s not the worst.’’
Art Deco will attempt to break maiden ranks at her fifth attempt, having never been out of the money with three seconds and a third.
‘‘The step up to 1400 will suit her and the side winkers go on,’’ Sharrock said.
Landlord runs in the first race of the day and will be looking to get the stable off on the right foot. His form is good and the Keeper gelding will be chasing career win number four in the Rating 75 1800m race.
‘‘He needs a senior rider and Johnathan Riddell is on board so he gets his chance.’’