Roger James is keen to welcome Sherrif back into his stable after the talented Cambridge galloper underwent a knee operation late last year.

“He had a chip taken out of his knee and he’s had a long time off,’’ James said.

‘’He’s due back next month and I’m looking forward to having him back. He’s a very good horse.’’

Owned and bred by Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Sherrif won the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni in just his third start and had only four starts last campaign, ending with a win in the Northland Cup (2100m) at Ruakaka last November.

‘’He won, but he just ground away that day,’’ James said. ‘’He’s better than that and afterwards the bone chip was discovered so that could explain it.

‘’His first-up run at Hastings was enormous and he didn’t have much luck in his other runs. He could be in for a big season.’’

Sherrif is part of the 100 percent strike rate for his dam, J’Adane, from six foals to race. He is a half-brother to two other Group Three winners, Prince Jabeel (City Of Auckland Cup,2400m) and Von Tunzelman (Trentham Stakes, 2100m), as well as Fratello and Avadane, who have been winners this season.