Sheer Madness heading on a path to Derby

Sheer Madness has his connections dreaming of Group One races after a win at Flemington.

Co-owner Frank Salanitri, brother of trainer John, has November’s Victoria Derby in mind for the son of Moshe after his win in the VRC Member Raymond Ali Handicap (1400m) on Saturday.

Ridden by apprentice Ethan Brown, Sheer Madness ($8.50) beat Confluence ($6) by three-quarters of a length, with Kedleston ($14) a nose further back in third.

Sheer Madness contested Melbourne’s feature two-year-old race, the 1200m Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February, but the Salanitris have always considered the gelding would appreciate a longer distance.

He will be freshened up before a tilt at the Caulfield Guineas Prelude in September and the Caulfield Guineas the following month.

Ultimately, the Derby is his aim.

“The penny hasn’t dropped with him yet,” Frank Salanitri said.

“He’s still a bit raw and when he hit the front he wanted to wander a bit but he’s an exciting horse and I think he’s got a future.

“We’ll probably have a go at the Guineas but ideally I think he’s a Derby horse.

“I think he’s looking for ground.”

Salanitri praised the ride of Brown, who landed his first Saturday metropolitan winner.

“He’s a good up-and-coming kid with a good head on his shoulders and we’re rapt to give him that winner,” Salanitri said.