Leading driver Blair Orange has put Sheriff on top of the big list of good 3yr-olds he has been driving this season.
The reinsman confirmed late last week he will drive the Nigel McGrath-trained pacer in group 1 features the Northern Derby, the New Zealand Derby and the Harness Jewels should the horse continue his brilliant form and progress to those races.
Orange has driven a line-up of fast 3yr-olds this season, including Aloka, Ana Malak, Beachbabebeauty, Gore Bay and Star Commander.
Sheriff, who won impressively at Invercargill last month for Ricky May, put himself ahead of his counterparts with the progressive feel he gives Orange.
``I have committed to Sheriff for the two Derbies and the Jewels - he is the pick of them,'' Orange said.
``I have just got a feeling he is going to be a cup horse. I said that to Ricky before the race the other day and after the race he said `I think you're right'.''
Orange's decision to drive Sheriff was helped by the export of Beachbabebeauty who was recently sold to Perth interests for a hefty price tag.
Ana Malak will not line up in the country's premier male pacing races for 3yr-olds either.
``He is going for an operation,'' Orange said. He is having a bonechip removed from a fetlock, so he will be out for the rest of the season.
``He failed a vet inspection. There was some Perth interest in him and doing the vetting they found the bonechip.''
