Racing: Sherrif's connections pondering Derby start

Sherrif has won two of his four starts. Photo / Race Images

A trip across the Tasman for the talented three-year-old Sherrif remains in the balance.

"We're going to make a decision in the next few days," Cambridge trainer Roger James said.

"He will be entered next week for the South Australian Derby and then we'll look at the nominations and decide whether he goes or not."

Bred and raced by Cambridge Stud's Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Sherrif has won two of his four starts including the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic at Awapuni.

Whether [Hanger's] sharp enough to take them on over 1200m we'll have to wait and see.

Roger James

At his next appearance, the son of High Chaparral finished fifth in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Pukekohe Park where he was sent out a short-priced favourite, but floundered in the heavy going.

"I firmly believe it was the track and he has come through the race well enough," James said. His immediate attention will be on the Lindsay-owned Hanger, who steps out in today's Cambridge Breeders' Stakes at Te Rapa.

The O'Reilly three-year-old will be attempting to complete a hat-trick following successes at Matamata and Pukekohe Park.

"It might seem a peculiar thing to come back from a tough win on a heavy track over 1400m to 1200m on what is looking like a pretty good track at Te Rapa, but there is no rule book in this game," James said.

"Whether he's sharp enough to take them on over 1200m we'll have to wait and see. I'd be disappointed if he didn't go a good race."

- NZ Racing Desk