LAST season’s top two-year-old Admiral sounded a warning to all and sundry that he is back bigger and better than ever with an emphatic trial win on his home track at Spreyton today.
Admiral took all before him last season winning six of his seven starts and was clearly the stand-out juvenile in the state winning four feature races of which two were listed events carrying stakes of $100,000.
He is the first two-year-old to establish a track record (1:03.79) over 1100 metres on the Launceston circuit and he achieved that feat in winning the Alpha Bowl at only his third race start.
He has not started since winning the Sires Produce Stakes over 1400 metres in May but with three trials behind him he will go into his first assignment this campaign, the 3YO Cup, ready to win.
“I couldn’t be happier with the horse and this trial today pretty much confirmed what I was thinking,” Campbell said.
“He had two good trials at Longford when placed over 700 metres but today even without the blinkers he’s gone enormous.”
“He is defefinitel;y ready for the 3YO Cup,” he said.
With stable apprentice Ismail Toker aboard, Admiral settled second in his trial behind Maglia Rose and travelled comfortably, under a hold, to the home turn.
But when Toker hit the go button Admiral stormed clear and hit the line still with plenty in reserve.
The 3YO Cup will be run over 1200 metres in Launceston on December 17 and it promises to be a great race with the unbeaten Valiant Warrior sure to make things interesting for Admiral.
Valiant Warrior confirmed his status as a star in the making with a fourth consecutive win from as many starts in taking out the Tony Carrick 3YO Vase.
Throw into the mix the talented filly Geegees Goldengirl and we have the makings of a great contest.