SPREYTON trainer Barry Campbell improved on his already impressive strike rate this season with an early double on his home track at Tapeta Park in Devonport today.
Campbell teamed up with in-form jockey Stephen Maskiell to score with Conquestador in the Leon Wells 3YO & Upwards Maiden Plate over 900 metres and in the following race Maskiell guided Visual Effects to a stirring win in the Whiskey Fella 3YO & Upwards Maiden Pate over 1150m.
Conquestador had only four starts last season from two preparations that included a second first-up in Launceston behind the well-performed filly Cambalara.
This was his first appearance for six months but he was the pick of the mounting yard and ran accordingly.
Maskiell urged the gelded son of West Quest-Entally forward early to settle just better than midfield but wide with cover.
When Maskiell called on his charge to extend turning for home the three-year-old burst clear and went on to win comfortably from Abasova with Dr Kempinsky a closing third and just in advance of Tichiba Rose.
Punters rallied late for Conquestador firming from $5.50 to start the $3.70 favourite
Conquestador is raced by Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds along with John and Judy Kingston, L Polglase and the Windsor Syndicate managed by B Finch.’
Visual Effects showed good speed in her race to settle just off the pace but the three-year-old daughter of Man Of Illusion-Valuation found plenty when put under pressure turning for home.
The filly dug deep at the business end of proceedings to go on and score from master Blonde, Peron Dunes and Dreamifyoudare.
Visual Effects is owned and raced by Peter Thomas and Terry Clayton who bred the filly from their former handy race mare Valuation.