Sharp 'n' Smart wins G1 NZ Derby

Media Release - Saturday March 4

Raging hot favourite Sharp ‘N’ Smart made good on the promise of co-trainer Graeme Rogerson as he showed all the star qualities he possesses with a superlative performance to take out the Gr.1 Auckland Thoroughbred Racing New Zealand Derby (2400m).

Sharp ā€˜N’ Smart justifies his favourites tag to claim the Gr.1 Auckland Thoroughbred Racing New Zealand Derby (2400m) Photo: Trish Dunell

Raced at Te Rapa this year due to the current track renovations at traditional home Ellerslie, the Derby looked to be at the mercy of the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) runner-up after the son of Redwood stunned many with a victory in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at the track last month.

That saw him installed the prohibitive $1.40 favourite with regular New Zealand pilot Ryan Elliot aboard as the combination fulfilled punters wishes with a professional display.

Advertisement

Settled in midfield by Elliot, Sharp ‘N’ Smart trucked along nicely before making a move to get handier approaching the 600m, before charging to the front rounding the home turn.

Briefly challenged by Full Of Sincerity, who clung on gamely for third, Sharp ‘N’ Smart held out a late challenge from another outsider in Andalus who got within half a length but no closer at the finish.

Rogerson, who prepares the horse with wife Debbie, is never shy of expressing a positive opinion about his horses but has reserved some special praise for his current star.

“This is good for the team as he is not an easy horse,” Rogerson said.

“I said to Ryan to watch him as he can switch off, as he did it in the VRC Derby.

“I think potentially he could be the best horse we have had in New Zealand for a long time.”

Rogerson is not scared of travelling with his horses and issued a warning to both the Australian and Hong Kong Racing officials that he has his sights set on some big events in their jurisdictions.

“I’d love to bring him to Hong Kong as they have been great to me,” he said.

“I think if he (Sharp ‘N’ Smart) is alright he will be there for the Vase (Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase, 2400m) in December.

“Hopefully by then he learns how to be a racehorse.

“I think the boys in him, we’ve got a horse and we will have a big spring in Australia and finish off in Hong Kong.”

All going to plan, Sharp ‘N’ Smart is set to return to Australian shores for a two-race autumn campaign which will encompass the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and the A$5million Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth (Gr.1, 2000m), both at Randwick.

Elliot was full of praise for his mount as well as Rogerson who has mentored him throughout his career.

“We got a nice position early and tucked in behind, before we got some clear air and came into it nicely,” Elliot said.

“He is just a big kid with so much to learn as coming up the straight he was waiting but then saw the other horses and kicked back strongly.

“I really have to thank Graeme as he has been huge in my career as he has brought me a long way and given me some great opportunities.”

Bred by Gerry Harvey, Sharp ‘N’ Smart is out of a half-sister to Absalon, who won five races including two Listed victories in Brisbane.

Now the winner of six of his eleven starts, with a further four placings, the gelding has won over $3,027,000 in prizemoney.

Sharp ‘N’ Smart was a $55,000 purchase from Westbury Stud’s draft in Book 2 of Karaka 2021, then was passed in for $90,000 at the Ready to Run Sale later that year. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Ardrossan Filly Wins First Kiwi Juvenile Race of New Season
Otaki horseman Johno Benner has a good association with the Karaka Millions, and he could have another serious contender on his hands for January’s showpiece.
Deserving Stakes Success For Splash Back (Fr)
Unlucky not to already has a stakes victory on her resume, the Grahame Begg trained French-bred Le Havre mare Splash Back (Fr) broke through on Friday night at Moonee Valley, winning the $300,000 Group 2 MVRC Stock Stakes (1500m).
30 Runners in Goffs Million!
The stage is set for Europe’s richest two-year-old race, the Goffs Million (7f), which has attracted a maximum field of 30 runners at the Curragh this Saturday and the €1 million contest, with prize money down to 10th, is only open to graduates of last year’s Goffs Orby Sale.
Sharp 'n' Smart Ready for Summer Campaign
Former New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart is set to head to Trentham on Saturday to kick-off his summer campaign and ready for a Group One assignment at the Upper Hutt track next month.
Can Rogey Win Cup?
As New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame trainer Graeme Rogerson prepares for his shot at again winning racing's Holy Grail, he has revealed to Trackside: "I'm just lucky to be alive".
Pride of Jenni Too Good for Treasurethe Moment in G2 Feehan
Pride of Jenni might be an eight year-old mare that is drawing ever closer to the end of her glorious career, but there was a sparkle in her eye before the Group II MVRC Feehan Stakes (1600m) and it was the Jenni of old that ran her rivals ragged at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Westbury Stud Celebrate Producing NZ Horse of the Year, Sharp 'n' Smart
The champagne was flowing at Westbury Stud’s table at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards in Auckland on Sunday night following Sharp ‘N’ Smart being crowned IRT Champion Three-Year-Old of the Year and SENZ Horse of the Year.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 26
Here is the full list of 60 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Expensive I Am Invincible Mare Wins G1 Manikato
The highest priced filly at the 2022 Magic Millions Yearling Sale when selling for $1.55million, I Am Invincible filly Charm Stone has been a star from day one and is now a two time Group I winner after landing her second victory at the top level with a dominant win in the $2million MVRC Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Trapeze Artist Mare Earns Shot at G1 Metrop
The in form Ciaron Maher stable produced the quinella in the$250,000 Group III ATC Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill on Saturday with race favourite Juja Kibo (GB) beaten by progressive mare Piggyback.