Melbourne spring carnival contender Sharp ‘N’ Smart may not have won at Te Rapa, but there was honour in defeat for the five-year-old who was brave under a hefty impost.
The multiple top-flight winning son of Westbury Stud resident Redwood, who had made late ground when resuming in the G2 Foxbridge Plate, stepped up to a mile on Sunday and was gallant in finishing runner-up.
“That was absolutely super, he’s right on target and going in the right direction for the Melbourne Cup (G1, 3200m) and he’s booked on a flight on October 2,” co-trainer Debbie Rogerson said.
“He’s not qualified for the Caulfield Cup (G1, 2400m), but he definitely is for the Melbourne Cup so that’s the direction we’re going.”
Rogerson prepares the five-year-old with husband Graeme, who shares in an ownership group that also includes breeder Gerry Harvey.
The three-time Group 1 winner of the New Zealand Derby, Spring Champion Stakes and the Herbie Dyke Stakes, Sharp ‘N’ Smart settled off the pace in a small field at Te Rapa before he improved wide700 metres from home.
He responded gamely under his topweight of 63.5kg to rider Ryan Elliot’s urgings in the straight to finish second, conceding 9kg to the winner.
Sharp ‘N’ Smart was purchased out of Westbury’s draft at Karaka by Graeme Rogerson for $55,000.
He is the first foal of the late Swiss Ace mare Queen Margaret, who was from the family of the multiple Group 1 winner and successful international stallion Halling.
The dam has also produced an unraced sister to Sharp ‘N’ Smart named Lisina.
