The Glenn Hodges-trained Sushi Express stamped himself as a leading contender for next month’s Devonport Cup with a game win in the $50,000 Sheffield Cup (1650m) at Devonport last Friday.
The gelded son of Real Impact enjoyed a nice trail just off the speed under Lauryn Bingley before digging deep to hold off the late challenge of The Longest Yard.
The sparingly raced eight-year-old is now unbeaten from five tries around 1600 metres and appears to be going better than when he was only nailed late in last season’s Devonport Cup.
Rising stars shine for Adam, Baz
Promising three-year-olds provided Adam Trinder and Barry Campbell with doubles at the meeting.
Trinder was first on the board with his debutante Ozonica, who brought his strong trial form to the track, taking the maiden plate over 1150 metres after box-seating under Erica Byrne Burke.
Trinder later combined with Chris Pang to take the Class 1 handicap over the same trip with Prince Of Khatun, who also enjoyed am economical run just behind the leaders.
It was a deserved second win for the Stratosphere gelding, who’d been game in defeat at each of his four outings since a dominant maiden win over the same track and distance in early September. 
Campbell’s first success came via 3YO Trophy winner Mazzini, who led before treating older rivals with contempt in cruising to a 5¼-length win under Kelvin Sanderson in the Class 4 handicap over 1350 metres. 
The younger brother of stable star Durazzo will now head to the Tasmanian Guineas at Hobart on Sunday, where he’s sure to take plenty of wearing down again.
Campbell completed his double with last season’s top Tasmanian juvenile Sanniya, who also led throughout for a dominant win over older gallopers in the benchmark 76 over 1009 metres with Craig Newitt aboard. 
The speedy daughter of Stratosphere was no match for Crack The Shutters after setting a hot tempo in the 3YO Cup (1200m) when resuming but simply proved too brilliant when back in trip of Friday.
She will have her next outing over the same route on Devonport Cup day in the $109,000 Carpet Charge — a race won by Durazzo last year.