Sharlee Hoffman looks to Country Stampede qualifier

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Sharlee Hoffman will resist the temptation of heading to Brisbane for the Country Stampede Final next month if Narda Shar claims the Far North’s last remaining qualifier at Atherton on Saturday.

Tolga conditioner Hoffman will also saddle up Sylvester in the 1100 metre feature but has given punters a lead with her preference for Narda Shar.

As well as Atherton, the Roma Turf Club stages another Country Stampede qualifier in the state’s South East as well as the Roma Cup, which is the final qualifier for the Country Cups Challenge Final.

The $105,000 Country Stampede Final will be run over 1110 metres at Doomben on December 3, the same day as the $200,000 Country Cups Challenge Final over 1600 metres.

Hoffman, who trains a team of 18 horses at Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands, believes Narda Shar’s liking for the local track could favour the gelding.

“It certainly is a strong race at Atherton but Sylvester hasn’t met the qualifying conditions for the Final at Doomben,” Hoffman said.

“Narda Shar has but I doubt he’ll go as both he and Sylvester are at the end of their campaigns.”

Narda Star – an Isabella Teh mount – ran second to the Scott Cooper-trained Our Chiquilla in a 1400 metre Open event at Atherton on October 8 while Sylvester finished fourth to Smart Image over 950 metres at Cairns on November 13.

Narda Shar - a seven-year-old - has won nine of his 51 starts and is a two time winner from three starts at Atherton.

He led all the way three starts back in his most recent win over 1400 metres at Atherton on September 17.

“Narda Shar likes Atherton and he’s had a couple of weeks off to freshen up for this Saturday,” Hoffman said.

“It’s a tough race but he’s my best hope and he should run well again.”

Hoffman has been in good form this season with a near 14 per cent winning strike rate with 10 victories and nine placings from 73 starters.

The Atherton qualifier has attracted a small but strong field of six starters including the Janel Ryan-trained Fast Train.