The pride of Waikato Stud was considered a length or two off the elite level performers by the Taranaki horseman in past preparations and he couldn't be happier to have been proved wrong this time around.
A half-sister to stakes-winner Iggi Pop by No Excuse Needed (GB), I Do has continued to improve and rise to every challenge set for her and at
Hastings on Saturday she successfully chased down a Group One prize in a
thrilling Makfi Challenge Stakes."She's now done what I didn't think she could earlier on – she's a bonny mare," said Sharrock, who bred the seven-year-old with his fellow co-owner Mark Chittick.
The winner of 15 of her 34 starts, the daughter of No Excuse Needed has also placed a further 13 times for stake earnings of $473,725.
"I don't think I'll find another one as genuine as she is," Sharrock said.
Sharing the glory at Hastings was regular rider Opie Bosson, who has been struggling with weight issues and had missed the winning mount on the promising Ryan Mark in the prior event after he couldn't make the 56kg.
"He's a genius and a personal friend so I'm rapt to have him on," Sharrock said.
Bosson had I Do in behind the pace set up by Recite and they got the breaks at the right time to burst between runners for top honours.
"She's a darling to ride and she puts in 100 per cent and attacks the line," he said. "I got a beautiful run and I thought I may have taken the wrong option by staying in and saving ground, but I got the split."
Pussy O'Reilly finished second after getting to the front down the straight and Pure Champion showed he too can be a serious contender in the remaining two legs of the Triple Crown series with a bold New Zealand debut for third.
Abidewithme, Shuka and O'Fille all hit the line strongly to be the next trio home while the disappointment was Recite, who dropped out to tail the field home. – NZ Racing Desk.
