30 Jul 2021Trainer Allan Sharrock rounded off arguably his best season with a winning double at Otaki, where the successful return of popular equine personality Tavi Mac was one of the highlights of the day.
The pint-sized warrior, who is affectionately known as Frodo, provided five of Sharrock’s 56 victories for the season, with three of those at stakes level including the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) back in December.
The son of Tavistock maintained an unbeaten fresh-up record on Saturday as he held out a stern challenge from hardy sprinter-miler Deerfield to win an open 1100m event and move his career record to 11 wins from 17 starts.
It was just the type of effort that Sharrock was looking for as he sets his charge for an attack on lucrative targets early in the new season.
“He got the job done, like he does, and I was more than happy with his effort,” Sharrock said.
“He blew really hard afterwards so he will improve a ton and now its straight to the Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m) next.
“I thought it was a very nice ride by young Bailey Rogerson as she didn’t beat him up on a track that was pretty hard going.
“It also looked to me like his manners have improved, which is what I was hoping for and that gives me plenty to look forward to with him as we get set for those Group One races at Hastings.”
The Gr.2 Valachi Downs Foxbridge Plate (1200m) is the feature event at Te Rapa on August 28 with the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) to be held at Hastings on September 11. - NZ Racing Desk