Racing: Sharrock pins hopes on change of luck

Allan Sharrock is hoping his luck is about to change with Wahid.

If it does, the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes is a nice time for it to happen.

Sharrock lost the race for the Champion 3-Year-Old of the Year title he felt he should have lifted with Wahid then in two starts this campaign the Derby winner has had shocking runs and been denied a winning chance.

Things took a turn for the better on Wednesday when Wahid drew barrier No 4 for the Kelt - the exact slot New Plymouth horseman Sharrock would have declared for if trainers could pick their own barriers.

"Hopefully this is the turning point. We've had it pretty tough."

The likelihood of a surface in the mid-range of dead is not ideal for Sharrock, but it doesn't faze him.

But the prospect of the Hastings track getting worse if it rains today certainly concerns him.

Sharrock rates Wahid's recent trackwork on a par with the horse's training before he won the Mercedes Derby in March.

"His weight is right where I want it. He's four kilos heavier than when he won the Derby and you can allow that amount for maturity.

"The draw is perfect, too. We can basically do what we like from there."

Everyone wants to win the Kelt Capital, but for Sharrock victory would be just that much sweeter for what he's been through lately.