<h2>Sharp ‘N’ Smart to Skip 2025 Melbourne Cup – Trifecta Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Sharp 'N' Smart has withdrawn from the 2025 Melbourne Cup despite sitting 23rd in order of entry following encouraging Livamol Classic third.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson cite timing concerns, opting for Group 3 Balmerino Stakes at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day instead.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Former New Zealand Horse of the Year to focus on building fitness and confidence for a potential summer Sydney campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Cup Dreams Dashed for Kiwi Contender</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sharp 'N' Smart has been ruled out of Melbourne Cup contention, with connections choosing to keep the talented New Zealand stayer at home this spring.</p> <p>The former New Zealand Horse of the Year was positioned 23rd in the Melbourne Cup order of entry but will now bypass Flemington's $10 million feature despite his encouraging third-place finish in last Saturday's Group 1 Livamol Classic at Ellerslie.</p> <p>Following extensive discussions with the ownership group on Monday, trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson confirmed their multiple Group 1 winner will instead target the Group 3 Elsdon Park Balmerino Stakes over 2000 metres at Ellerslie - coincidentally scheduled for the same day as the Melbourne Cup.</p> <p>"Two miles might be just too soon," Graeme Rogerson explained when announcing the decision.</p> <p>The veteran trainer's assessment reflects concerns about the gelding's readiness for the gruelling 3200-metre Melbourne Cup distance, despite recent signs of returning to his best form.</p> <p>The Livamol Classic performance provided genuine cause for optimism, with Sharp 'N' Smart showing glimpses of the class that earned him New Zealand's premier racing honour.&nbsp;</p> <p>"That was the performance we needed to see to confirm he's on the right track," Rogerson noted, highlighting the encouraging nature of the weekend's effort.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic Approach for Future Campaigns</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rather than rushing into Australia's premier staying test, connections have adopted a patient approach designed to maximise Sharp 'N' Smart's long-term prospects.</p> <p>The Balmerino Stakes represents an ideal stepping stone, offering valuable race fitness while building the confidence that proved crucial during his peak years.</p> <p>Rogerson outlined ambitious future plans following the Melbourne Cup Day assignment. "Hopefully he has a good summer campaign, and we will be looking at Sydney at some stage," he revealed, suggesting the autumn carnival remains firmly in their sights.</p> <p>This measured strategy makes considerable sense given Sharp 'N' Smart's proven ability to perform at the highest level across both sides of the Tasman.</p> <p>His multiple Group 1 victories and established reputation as one of New Zealand's premier middle-distance gallopers provide strong foundations for a successful comeback campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Cup Field Impact</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sharp 'N' Smart's withdrawal creates additional opportunities for horses currently outside the Melbourne Cup field, with several connections monitoring developments closely as the final field takes shape.</p> <p>The New Zealand contingent remains well-represented despite this setback, maintaining the trans-Tasman rivalry that has become a defining feature of Australia's most famous race.</p> <p>The decision reflects the increasingly competitive nature of Melbourne Cup qualification, where connections must weigh immediate opportunities against longer-term objectives.</p> <p>For Sharp 'N' Smart, patience may prove the wiser course as he attempts to recapture the form that made him a household name in New Zealand racing circles.</p> <p>While disappointing for Melbourne Cup betting enthusiasts who recognised his potential value, the Balmerino Stakes now looms as an intriguing alternative for punters seeking quality staying action on the first Tuesday in November.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Cup 2025 Odds</h2>