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The Live Sport Bible is here!Sharrock holds strong hand at Otaki
Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • May 15th, 2026 3:22 pm
Bridal Train will be one of two runners for trainer Allan Sharrock in Saturday's Listed James Bull Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images)
New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock will trek south to Otaki with a strong contingent on Saturday, including a two-pronged attack in the meeting’s feature – the Listed James Bull Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m).
Sharrock will contest the mile with five-year-olds Bridal Train and Tisse, and he said their performances over the same distance at Te Rapa a fortnight ago were commendable.
“They both went really nice races at Te Rapa last start,” he said. “Bridal Train was a bit unlucky, never saw daylight and cantered to the line under a throttle hold, so her run was outstanding, and Tisse closed the race off well.”
The pair have drawn at opposite ends of the spectrum, with Bridal Train set to jump from gate four, while Tisse will start from gate 12.
“They were both tardily away at Te Rapa. I would like to get them a little bit more motivated pre-race and utilise Bridal Train’s draw a little bit more tomorrow,” Sharrock said. “The other horse will naturally end up midfield or back of midfield, so we will just see what eventuates.”
Bridal Train currently heads the TAB’s market for the Rangitikei Gold Cup at $4.40, with Tisse rated a $12 winning hope, and Sharrock agrees with the bookmaker’s assessment.
“I put Bridal Train ahead at this stage, but Tisse will be running on strongly again too,” he said. “His (Tisse) main aim is probably the Taumarunui Gold Cup whereas I would like to execute with her tomorrow and get that black-type for her, so let’s hope she can.”
Sharrock will also have a dual-pronged attack in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m) courtesy of El Jaycee and Eizus.
“El Jaycee went a good race at Te Rapa, albeit she ran eighth of nine, but she was only beaten 1.3 lengths,” Sharrock said. “She has run some nice races this year and how much further we go with her time will tell.
“Eizus is pretty progressive but has got a terrible draw (12). There was nowhere else to kick her off, we would have had to go to Ellerslie next week and that is a hell of a trek, right-handed first-up, so we will take our chances.”
Stablemate Sindee will be out to score back-to-back wins in the Jennian Homes Handicap (1200m), while Brigit will be first-up in the Harcourts Otaki Handicap (1100m).
“She (Sindee) doesn’t do that very often (go back-to-back), but I was pleased that she fought hard last start and if anything she has improved since then, she looks enormous,” Sharrock said.
“It is a winnable race, she has got to lump 58kg but she is a big, strong girl, so she has got to be a strong chance as well.
“Brigit is a very nice mare and is talented but will probably improve with the run. At least she has got a nice draw (4) and she can follow speed. She tends to over-race a wee bit, but she won’t at 1100m, they will be going to quick for her. She could close it off strongly.”
Closer to home at Hawera on Sunday, Sharrock will be represented by seven runners and has labelled Secrets in the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1400m) as his best chance.
“Her run was outstanding at Woodville, she should have won,” Sharrock said. “If she replicates that form she could be winning.”
