3 minute read

TALENTED mare Reward Achiever scored an emphatic all-the-way win in the $50,000 Kevin Sharkie Sheffield Cup over 1650m in Devonport on Friday, a race that offered the winner ballot-free entry into next month’s Devonport Cup.

However, trainer Glenn Stevenson said there is little chance the mare will progress to the Devonport clubs showcase event on January 11.

"This race presented as an ideal race for her to win but a Devonport Cup start has never been on the agenda," Stevenson said.

"The mare is being aimed at the Group 3 Bow Mistress (1200m) and Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m) for fillies and mares in February, so that's where she will head.

"She led today, and Daniel got away with murder in front as the time was six seconds outside the track record but kudos to him (jockey) and we've got the money."

Reward Achiever defeated Dramazing that belted home from last with Rising Light a game third.

Dramazing gave away a dozen lengths at the 400m mark but ran the winner to 1-3/4 lengths and will now go to the Devonport Cup, which has been her main target this preparation, as one of the favourites.

"That was a terrific run by the mare because she's given away a massive start and the winner's time was six seconds slower than the track record, so she's done a terrific job to make up that much ground off a slow early and mid-race speed," Campbell said.

Rising Light, the winner of the Golden Mile at his previous start, ran well without being overtaxed and Sh'Bourne Rebel was an eye-catching run, and his trainer Shaun Nichols was pleased with the gelding's effort.

"We have been playing catch-up with the horse this preparation because of wet ground and so forth, but I thought his run on Friday was full of merit and he will definitely go to the Devonport Cup and Bulent Muhcu will ride him," Nichols said.

Watch Reward Achiever score an all-the-way win in the Sheffield Cup in Devonport on Friday.