Our second recruit for Riverdee International, the 5-year-old won his debut over hurdles at Newbury Jan. 15. Champion jockey Harry Cobden settled the German-bred in the back of the seven-horse field before gradually reeling in his rivals to win comfortably. We were taken with his fluid jumping and his relentless gallop.
The Racing Post: SHERMINATOR, who had shown clear ability in bumpers, not least when narrowly beaten at Bangor, was a shade keen early, but found plenty from the last to make a reasonably taking winning hurdles debut. He should continue to progress as he gathers more experience.
In his second hurdle start and first for Riverdee, Sherminator won over hurdles at Taunton March 10. Watch him stroll to a clear victory to improve to 2-for-2 over hurdles.
The Racing Post: “SHERMINATOR handled this quicker ground well and defied the penalty for January’s hurdling debut win with the minimum of fuss on first start for Harry Fry. He’s an uncomplicated 4yo who’s progressing nicely.”
Sherminator is trained by seven-time Grade 1 winning trainer Harry Fry.
Watch Harry talk about his win at Taunton.
Watch Sean talk about the experience.
Sherminator fell in his seasonal reappearance but came right back to win at Ludlow to improve his hurdle record to three wins from four starts.
The Racing Post: RPR assessment: the front pair are probably on the upgrade plus the fourth and fifth, though the third performed below the level of recent runs over further SHERMINATOR didn’t have any penalties to carry, and is still eligible as a novice, as his two wins last season came in junior National Hunt hurdles. A faller behind Old Park Star last time, he stuck his neck out well to hold off the runner-up and can win more races, perhaps on a faster surface.
A month later, Sherminator came back to win on his handicap debut at Exeter. Under Bryan Carver, Sherminator settled, scythed and scampered home to win by 6 lengths.
Racing Post: RPR assessment: winner took another step up, with the third also on the upgrade. Second helps to set the level.
SHERMINATOR, on handicap debut, stamped his authority on this after the last, now unbeaten in all four completed starts over hurdles. He’ll get further if needs be and can carry on progressing.
We are still dreaming.
