Sherrif Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images)

Sherrif on way back from operation 

Roger James is keen to welcome Sherrif back into his stable after the talented Cambridge galloper underwent a knee operation late last year.

“He had a chip taken out of his knee and he’s had a long time off,’’ James said. 

‘’He’s due back next month and I’m looking forward to having him back. He’s a very good horse.’’

Owned and bred by Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Sherrif won the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni in just his third start and had only four starts last campaign, ending with a win in the Northland Cup (2100m) at Ruakaka last November.

‘’He won, but he just ground away that day,’’ James said. ‘’He’s better than that and afterwards the bone chip was discovered so that could explain it.

‘’His first-up run at Hastings was enormous and he didn’t have much luck in his other runs. He could be in for a big season.’’

Sherrif is part of the 100 percent strike rate for his dam, J’Adane, from six foals to race. He is a half-brother to two other Group Three winners, Prince Jabeel (City Of Auckland Cup,2400m) and Von Tunzelman (Trentham Stakes, 2100m), as well as Fratello and Avadane, who have been winners this season.

Classic target for Campari 

Talented O’Reilly mare Campari will continue her preparation aimed towards the Listed The Ultimate Ford and Mazda Tauranga Classic (1400m) next month when she contests the Race Images 1400m at Ellerslie on Saturday. 

The Stephen Marsh-trained four-year-old had a successful campaign in Australia late last year winning two races, including a record breaking performance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day. 

“She broke a class record at Randwick that day – 1.21.33 seconds over 1400m. To do that in Sydney, you have to be good,” Go Racing’s racing manager Albert Bosma said. 

“Not only has she proved herself but also franked our approach of bringing her to Australia while at a low point in the ratings. It paid dividends for her owners, she earned almost $50,000 for those two starts alone and it gave her city form in Australia, which will be important to her value when she retires as a broodmare.” 

Campari resumed in New Zealand in April with a fifth placing at Counties followed by a win at Rotorua at her last raceday appearance on May 11."

“She needed the fresh-up run at Counties in April and it tidied her up nicely for Rotorua,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. 

“Her effort was impressive as she jumped from a very wide draw, but Leith Innes rode her superbly to get her handy and keep her in a good rhythm.”