This G3 3yo over 2000m has always been a reasonable look into the future as often late developers shine in this that may have been not quite Derby types early Autumn but they are on the rise now with options galore. Sherrif is a classic example as is the runner up Gundown and this pair ended up clear of the rest at the line after wildly contrasting trips in transit today. The winner Sherrif only debuted and won at the end of February and could be unbeaten but for an ounce of luck. He settled back as usual and was angled wide across the top before coming up the deepest runner turning for home and eighth but his rider had a handful of horse. Once let rip he surged up and led at the 150m before fighting off a brave Gundown and won by just over three-quarters of a length in a modest 2:04.18. The gelding is by the super but sadly now defunct sire High Chaparral out of a useful Danehill dam in J'Adane, so has it all ahead. He could be a Derby player in Queensland or South Australia late Autumn and early Winter and spell with the sun on his back in Australia before being set some ambitious targets. He looks a Cups horses if raced in New Zealand at least and may well be WFA capable as that depth is not existent at the moment and is just itching for a 4yo to take the Spring here by storm. Gundown gave High Chaparral the quinella and was uber-brave after sitting wide sixth then fifth wide working before moving up third turning for home. He reached second at the 150m and tried to go with the winner that had better momentum at that stage. This Australian bred gelding looks the makings of a serious 4yo next season and one that can handle wet ground so has many strings in his ever burgeoning quiver. Joe's Legacy sat eighth and seventh wide, so got cover from the runner up in effort, and ran on gamely for third beaten over three and a half lengths. He had run in the G1 NZ Derby prior when a far from disgraced eleventh. Bel Ragazzo got back and worked off across the top before fighting on well to finish fourth and was a short neck from third. He too had run in the Derby at his prior start and this Australian bred finished thirteenth but was not too bad all things factored in. Morrellmac was wide then went up outside the leader and hit the front at the 200m only to get windburn from the winner soon after. It was decent effort by yet another Australian bred in the field Sixth and over three lengths behind the fifth finisher was Rock On Wood that settled down last on his own but was noticed running on too late. Banstead at $66 led up and once headed at the 200m weakened but for a last start maiden winner rising in trip and grade greatly it was a fair effort. The rest got beaten ten lengths up to and over eighteen lengths and either did not stay or were outclassed. This looks a G3 result of some worth especially as Sherrif looks a serious gunslinger as a 4yo and could well be WFA grade while Gundown has it all ahead too so this pair should do this race result proud. Joe's Legacy and Bel Ragazzo are more than useful types with much more to come. Rock On Wood runs on well so has more wins in store but his racing pattern may need to be altered slightly to get maximum return. Morrelmac as an on pacer ran well enough and his dam Asavant, by Zabeel, left the G1 juvenile winner later in the card here today called Avantage.