After claiming his second career group one race last start in the prestigious Herbie Dyke Stakes, The Graeme & Deborah Rogerson trained star three-year-old SHARP ‘N’ SMART now has his sights firmly set on Saturday’s New Zealand Derby.
SHARP ‘N’ SMART was awesome in the Herbie Dyke Stakes, beating the older horses at weight for age over 2000m. From a wide barrier, the gelding had little luck but overcame a tough run to score running away, beating some of New Zealand’s best horses in Campionessa and Wild Night, while reeling off the fastest last 200m sectional time of the race.
“He’s getting better all the time. Physically, he’s powerful. He’ll head to the NZ Derby, and then he’s going to Sydney for the Australian Derby and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.” Rogerson said.
The Murray Baker-trained galloper Mongolian Khan (2015) was the last Kiwi to complete the NZ Derby-Australian Derby double.
SHARP ‘N’ SMART has been installed as the raging $1.60 favourite for Saturday’s NZ Derby ahead of Avondale Guineas winner $5.50 DESERT LIGHTING, $7.00 WAITAK, $10 MARCK TWAIN and DYNASTIC, SAVOIR FAIRE and DEVILDOM all at $16.
Rogerson warned all future rivals about the bright future of SHARP ‘N’ SMART, stating that he has the makings to become one of the great New Zealand raiders to embark on Australian shores. The master trainer is setting the bar high, has him nominated for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, and wouldn’t rule out the Cox Plate.
“He’s got the makings of a very good horse,” Rogerson said.
