Group Three winner Sherrif was a dominant $1.40 favourite heading into the Dargaville Racing Club’s Northland Cup (2100m) at Ruakaka on Friday, but had to dig deep for the win.

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding was pushed every step of the way down the Ruakaka straight by runner-up El Ferando to win by a head.

“He only just got there, but it’s good to see him relax nicely,” Wellwood said. “He’s still finding his way, he’s a lightly raced horse, but it’s very good to get the result.

“He had to pop out three-wide pretty early to make sure he didn’t have any bad luck. Ryan (Elliot, jockey) didn’t have to do a whole lot on him, we got the result, now onwards and upwards.

“We came here to get that confidence and we just wanted to see him racing kindly over a trip, which he has done.

“We can certainly look forward to planning his future now.”

Wellwood was also pleased with the stable’s other runner, Fawn, running on for third.

“It was a really good run, she’s an honest mare and is in great form this season. It is good to see her up over a trip and we’re certainly looking forward to her racing over the next few months.”