The Group One focus for talented Taranaki three-year-old Shamus has shifted to a shorter challenge in the wake of his first defeat at Te Rapa.

The son of Shamexpress had won four on the bounce, including the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m), before he finished third in his inaugural distance test in Wednesday’s Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Trainer Allan Sharrock was pleased with Shamus’ performance, but has ruled out a start in the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) in favour of the Gr.1 Seamarket Levin Classic (1600m) on March 19.

“I thought it was a brave effort at Te Rapa, but I’ve pulled him out of the Derby. I had to try him over ground, but I think 1400 to 2000m is best for him,” he said.

“I think if I went to the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m) and then the Derby I would have a bag of bones so I’ll freshen him and go back to the mile. We’ll look after him and he’ll be a lovely horse next season, he could be a super star.”

Meanwhile, Sharrock may have temporarily lost the services of his Group-winning stayer Waisake, but stablemates Our Hail Mary and Sinarahma have chances over the upcoming holiday weekend to further their Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) hopes.

Waisake injured a tendon ahead of his title defence in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) and initial signs are encouraging for his future.

“The first scan wasn’t that bad, but I would have blown him to bits by running him. It was frustrating and I think I will get him back,” Sharrock said.

“He’s a Zed and he hasn’t had a lot of racing. The downside is that he is a stayer and you have to do more work with him, but I can use the water walker so I think we will get another crack with him.”

Our Hail Mary will run in Saturday’s Gr.3 Powerworx Taranaki Cup (1800m) off the back of success in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m) while Sinarahma will step out on Monday in the Listed Property Brokers Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

“Our Hail Mary is a genuine Auckland Cup chance and Sinarahma might come up a bit short on mileage so we’ll just play it by ear with her,” Sharrock said.

“Our Hail Mary will run a race on Saturday and then she’ll either go to the Avondale Cup (Gr.2, 2400m) or the Nathan’s Memorial (2200m) and then the Auckland Cup.

“I’m very happy where I am with her and down to 54kgs, it looks a great race for her on Saturday.”

Sinarahma has often made things difficult for herself with her barrier manners, but was on her best behaviour last time out at Awapuni where she found the line strongly for fourth after being held up in the straight.

“I had her dead right for the Trentham Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m), but she tweaked a muscle so I freshened her up and went back to a mile,” Sharrock said.

“She jumped well and she’s always a query with the barrier, but she’s well and got to be a good chance.”

Another strong black-type hope for the stable is Sophmaze in the Gr.3 Platinum Homes Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) on her home track on Saturday.

A first-crop representative of Grangewilliam Stud stallion Derryn, she came from last on the course in her December debut to finish third.

“She was very, very good and was chronically shin sore. She was good late and the rain that is predicted won’t worry her at all,” Sharrock said. “She doesn’t mind a bit of moisture and her shins are fine so I can see her being a player.”