In preparations for the upcoming Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Awapuni, New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock is strategically using the race as a stepping stone for his promising horse, Ladies Man.
Ladies Man is gearing up for his third start of the campaign, having resumed with a commendable third-place finish over 1200m on August 19, followed by a strong-finishing second to Group One mare Mustang Valley over 1400m at New Plymouth last Saturday.
Sharrock expressed his admiration for Ladies Man’s performance, stating, “I thought he was outstanding last Saturday. He’s progressing extremely well.”
Ladies Man is currently the favourite in Metric Mile markets, with online bookmakers rating him at +350. Cork (+500) and Belardo Boy (+550) are the only other contenders in single figures.
Having previously won the Group 3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) in January and secured a place in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) in March, Ladies Man is now poised for a chance at the Group One level in the coming weeks.
Sharrock explained, “This race on Saturday should set him up nicely for a shot at the Livamol, and he should be spot on for that.”
The Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) is scheduled to take place on October 14 during the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, with Ladies Man currently priced at +1100 for the $450,000 feature.
Looking further ahead, Ladies Man has also been nominated for the prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7.
In the recent weight announcement for the iconic Flemington two-miler, Ladies Man was allocated a lightweight of only 50 kilograms.
Sharrock commented, “That isn’t much weight for a big horse like him. That’s still a very long-range target, but the connections are keen to have a crack at it. He hasn’t put a foot wrong so far, and that’s all you can ask at this stage of a preparation.”
In the Metric Mile field on Saturday, Ladies Man will be joined by stablemate Justaskme, who bears the topweight of 60.5kg.
Despite the challenge of carrying heavy weights this spring, Justaskme has displayed commendable performances, winning the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m), finishing closely in fourth in the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m), and securing another credible fourth position behind Mustang Valley in the last weekend’s race.
Sharrock also has another contender in Saturday’s race, the accomplished mare Darci La Bella, who carries topweight.
Darci La Bella enjoyed a remarkable season last year, winning four of her five starts, including the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), and Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
However, her recent performance in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on August 26 was subpar, leading to her withdrawal from this month’s Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings.
Sharrock explained, “She was substandard in the Foxbridge. We had no choice but to duck the Tarzino after a performance like that. She did have a bit of a floating injury earlier in her preparation, so it’s possible she wasn’t quite 100 percent that day – but I believe she is now.”
Darci La Bella is set to carry 62 kilograms in Saturday’s race, a considerable challenge for the diminutive mare.
However, Sharrock expressed confidence in her condition, saying, “She’s going to have to carry 62 kilograms, which is a big ask for a little horse like her, but I can’t fault her and I expect her to run well.”
He also revealed that the Breeders’ Stakes at Hawera on October 7 is the next target for Darci La Bella, where she will compete at weight-for-age, which should suit her admirably.
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