3 minute read
Sharp ‘N’ Smart has prevailed in a thrilling finish to the Gloaming Stakes.
New Zealand raider Sharp 'N' Smart has reinforced his Spring Champion Stakes claims, lifting himself off the canvas to deny a valiant Matcha Latte in the Gloaming Stakes at Warwick Farm.
Jockey Hugh Bowman said the addition of blinkers had made a significant difference to the three-year-old, who he partnered to two winter carnival runs in Brisbane including a fourth in the Group 1 J J Atkins Stakes before they reunited to snare Wednesday's feature.
"He's a class horse and the blinkers certainly have made a difference," Bowman said.
"I did ride him in Brisbane in the autumn and he gave me an exceptional feel and it's no surprise to see him come here and do that.
"I think there is more improvement to come personally."
Trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, Sharp 'N' Smart ($2.70 fav) settled handy to the speed and made his run with Matcha Latte ($8.50) coming to the corner.
The latter was luckless after missing the start and then sweeping around the field to find a forward position, sticking his head in front a few strides before the winning post before Sharp 'N' Smart kicked back on the line to get the verdict by a nose.
Williamsburg($3.70) lost no admirers, doing his best work late to grab third, another half-head away.
The first three are set for a rematch in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday week and Shannon Doyle, deputising for the Rogersons, believes Sharp 'N' Smart will continue to improve as he is extended in distance.
He has also revealed the Spring Champion isn't the only major in their sights this spring.
"Hopefully (he can) proceed to the (Victoria) Derby," Doyle said.
"I thought he was going to win comfortably at one stage and he just looked like he hit a flat spot within the 200 metres but he fought back and it was a real tough win.
"He's got a laidback personality about him and the further he goes, the better he is going to get.
"He's going to be a nice stayer in the making."
The Gloaming Stakes was moved to Warwick Farm after it was one of four races washed out at Randwick on Saturday, its distance amended from 1800m to 1600m as a result of the venue change.
Sharp 'n' Smart takes out the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes!
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 12, 2022
@HugeBowman gets the best from the Graeme & Deborah Rogerson trained galloper in a tight finish. pic.twitter.com/bjLNx9d2I7
