Shamus is well exposed in the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) market and a decision whether he will give trainer Allan Sharrock the chance of a second success in the staying classic will be made after his next run.

Currently on the third line at $14, the gifted Taranaki three-year-old is unbeaten in three appearances up to 1400m and following Saturday week’s Gr.2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas (1400m), his autumn goal will be locked in.

“That will be crunch time whether he is on a Derby path or the Levin Classic (Gr.1, 1600m),” Sharrock said.

“It could be the Classic, as on pedigree he couldn’t get beyond a mile. He’s by Shamexpress out of a Per Incanto mare, but he is a horse that just loves to please and he’s a laid back, quiet type.

“He is still untapped and hasn’t had a hard race and sometimes three-year-olds can outrun their pedigrees. Snap and Wahid are two that did and I had Wahid and he was never going to get 2400m again.”

Sharrock prepared Wahid to claim the 2006 edition of the Derby for long-time stable clients Noel and Ron Stanley, who also race Shamus.

“After his next race I’ll sit down with them and they are open to either race, they are both good targets,” Sharrock said.

The New Plymouth conditioner is also planning a two-pronged attack on Saturday’s Listed JAPAC Homes Marton Cup