In the wake of challenging conditions amidst torrential rain at Awapuni last Saturday, a trio of horses from Allan Sharrock’s stable displayed their mettle, with their sights set on promising futures.
“It probably got a bit too arduous for two of my runners on Saturday; it got quite heavy with the amount of rain they got,” said Sharrock.
In the Group 3 Metric Mile (1600m), Ladies Man and Justaskme secured minor placings behind Belardo Boy, and the heavy track conditions had varying impacts on these geldings.
“Ladies Man is a Zed but he is not a real wet-track Zed.
“Had the course remained somewhere around a (Slow) 7, we would have liked our chances, but it just got too tough for him late in the race.
“It suited the old boy (Justaskme). He went super but he just can’t carry 60.5kg in those conditions against that class of horse; it is hard work for him, but he is racing well.
“I was proud of both of horses, and I am really happy going forward to the Livamol with them.”
Looking ahead, the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings next month holds significant importance for Ladies Man’s spring campaign. A successful performance could open the door to a Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) bid.
“He couldn’t have impressed me more with his preparation. He is bigger and stronger, and he is racing outstandingly,” said Sharrock about Ladies Man.
“To tick that box and head to Melbourne, he has probably got to run top three in the Livamol.
“We do have a back-up plan of a New Zealand Cup (Group 3, 3200m). Those races are in close proximity, so we would have done the work for both. It all hinges on the Livamol for us.”
Meanwhile, stablemate Darci La Bella faced challenges on the taxing track conditions at Awapuni, finishing runner-up behind Old Town Road.
“Everyone is of the opinion that she is a wet tracker, but she is actually a better track mare.
“When it got that heavy, it caused her demise, but she raced well, and she has pulled up really well, and that will help her going forward.”
Darci La Bella’s next destination is the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in Hawera on Saturday-week, a race she triumphed in last season.
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