Spreyton trainer Barry Campbell has his sights on the Devonport Cup with well-bred four-year-old Conquestador.
But he will have to try to sneak into the $100,000 race via the back door.
“He’s probably going to have to win the Sheffield Cup or Golden Mile or he won’t get in,” Campbell said after Conquestador beat higher class rivals in the Benchmark 78 Handicap at Spreyton on Sunday.
“Win either of those races (which offer exemption from the Devonport Cup ballot) and he gets a free ride in.
“He hasn’t been tried over the cup distance (1800 metres) yet, but I’m convinced he’ll get it.”
Conquestador is a full brother to Campbell’s former top mare Reunification and, according to the trainer, shares her dislike of wet tracks.
“None of the family has been able to go in the wet,” he said.
“But, I don’t think this horse is at his best here (on the synthetic surface) either.
“He doesn’t let down properly on this track.
“Put him on a good 3 track at Mowbray or Elwick and he’ll be a real good horse.”
– Courtesy of The Examiner