Sherwood's Cup Campaign Begins at Cambridge

Under the New Zealand Government's Level 4 COVID-19 rules, Saturday's Cambridge meeting won't happen but if the alert level is dropped to Level 3, the meeting will take place as planned. Local trainerTony Pike told NZ racing Desk he is confident that Saturday's important meeting for many horses building into their spring preparations, will proceed. "I'm not sure if we will be racing on Saturday but the Prime Minister (Jacinda Ardern) was positive in her briefing today so there's that chance there could be a drop in levels and it could go ahead." Pike was forced to change plans and run at Cambridge with six horses after Ruakaka's meeting was abandoned due to the COVID restrictions. With great hopes from the stable that 5YO gelding Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock-Chasing Mammon, by Giant's Causeway) will impress as he embarks on a potential Melbourne Cup campaign, the Gr1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner will run in the Waikato-BOP Harness Racing 1300. "It's all becoming a bit of a headache, especially with staff in Australia and Victoria, with New Zealand now a red-zone, but we really need to get the show on the road with him," Pike conceded. "A 1300m race on the synthetic is something at least for him to kick off in, then he can head over to Flemington for a 1700m handicap on September 11." A resolute Pike said, "The Melbourne Cup is the dream for anyone. He's nominated and if he keeps his form and qualifies, he'll run!"

New Zealand Derby winner Sherwood Forest (pic: Trish Dunell)