Allan Sharrock is stretching his resources like never before but is hoping for a landmark weekend of success as he produces runners in stakes races at three different venues for the first time in his career this weekend.
The New Plymouth trainer is in Melbourne putting the finishing polish on Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Ladies First ahead of tomorrow's Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), while back home London Express tackles the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie and Art Deco contests the Gr.3 Gee & Hickton Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham.
"We're a bit stretched and Kane [Sharrock, son and stable foreman] is under the pump but they've all worked well this week and we're hoping to make our presence felt everywhere," Sharrock said.
Former stable apprentice and champion jockey Michael Walker takes the ride on Ladies First in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup from barrier one and was aboard in her trackwork at Tuesday's Breakfast with the Stars session at Moonee Valley.
"Michael had no knock on her work at all. She handled the Valley just fine. She looks really good and she's fit," Sharrock said. "I'd liken her condition to how she was before the Auckland Cup. We think she'll be at her optimum for Saturday but whether that's good enough, we'll find out.