Sharp ‘N’ Smart will be in action on Melbourne Cup Day — but not at Flemington.
The former New Zealand Horse of the Year, who was sitting 23rd in order of entry for next month’s Melbourne Cup (3200m), will instead remain in his homeland after connections opted to bypass the $10 million feature despite his encouraging third-place finish in last Saturday’s Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Ellerslie.
Following a meeting with his ownership group on Monday, trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson confirmed the multiple Group 1 winner will now be aimed at the Group 3 Elsdon Park Balmerino Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on the first Tuesday in November — the same day as the Melbourne Cup.
“Two miles might be just too soon,” Graeme Rogerson said. “After talking with all the owners today, he is running at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day and then we are going to make up our minds on what we do with him then.”
Rogerson said the plan was to build Sharp ‘N’ Smart’s confidence and fitness before deciding on his next major target. “Hopefully he has a good summer campaign, and we will be looking at Sydney at some stage,” he added.
While disappointed not to be heading to Melbourne this spring, Rogerson took heart from the gelding’s improved showing last weekend, where he hinted at a return to his best form. “He showed glimpses of the horse we know he is,” Rogerson said. “That was the performance we needed to see to confirm he’s on the right track.”
Sharp ‘N’ Smart has already proven himself a class performer on both sides of the Tasman, boasting multiple Group 1 victories and a reputation as one of New Zealand’s top middle-distance gallopers. A strong showing in the Balmerino could set up an exciting summer and potential autumn campaign in Australia.
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