Friday NZ news briefs – James’ 3YO in top Derby order
Sherrif is ticking all the boxes ahead of his tilt at Saturday’s Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville. “He’s travelled over really well, the horse is thriving,” Cambridge trainer Roger James said.
“The further he has got into his preparation the better he’s handled it. This will be his last run for the campaign.
“He’s done everything in one preparation and it’s a big ask, but I am confident he is considerably above average.
“I am happy with the order he is in but he has to race correctly and we have an awkward barrier at 12. “If he’s switched off and relaxed with a mile to go I am sure he will feature.”
Sherrif, who will race as High Sherrif in Australia, has won two of his four starts, including a resounding victory in the Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2000m).
Juddmonte progressing well
A well-related two-year-old is making all the right moves ahead of his debut. Juddmonte was a runaway winner of his 935m trial at Cambridge earlier this week for trainer Andrew Campbell.
“He won pretty well and he’ll probably have one more trial before we look for a race for him,” he said.
By Cape Blanco, the colt is out of a Danehill mare who is a three-quarter sister to the Group 1 winners Redoute’s Choice, Al Maher and Platinum Scissors.
Emperor rules at trials
Ocean Emperor took another step toward a Singapore feature with a hit-out at Thursday’s Taupo trials.
The Gary Hennessy-trained multiple Group winner sat outside the leader to the turn in his open 1200m heat and lengthened stride in the run home under a hands and heels ride from Shaun McKay to win by a head.
“He is in amazing condition and we now have two weeks to fine tune him,” Hennessy said.
Ocean Emperor leaves New Zealand next week and will be ridden by expatriate Kiwi jockey Jason Collett in the S$1.5 million Kranji Mile (1600m) on May 26.
Auret family in hot form
Under the Bridge hasn’t wasted any time in getting in on the family action.
The Mettre En Jeu four-year-old won at Woodville on Thursday in his second appearance for co- breeder, part-owner and trainer Nigel Auret.
The Wanganui horseman has enjoyed multiple stakes success with the gelding’s sister La Fille En Jeu, who is now spelling after wins in the Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and the Listed Easter Cup (1600m).
Another brother is the Kevin Myers-trained Overtheriver, the winner of 19 races and a Group placegetter, who will attempt to further his record in the Energy City Ford Open (1800m) at New Plymouth on Saturday.