SPREYTON trainer Barry Campbell almost heaved a sigh of relief after one of the latest arrivals at his stables, Innocent Gamble, scored an impressive win in a Benchmark 68 over 1200 metres at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart last Sunday.
Innocent Gamble was having his fourth start for Campbell and finally delivered the goods.
He had been plagued by bad barrier draws and shocking luck in running at his three previous starts.
Innocent Gamble was formerly prepared in Victoria by Mark Riley who regarded the well-bred gelding (Elvstroem-Innocent Baby) as one of the most promising sprinters he had trained when he was a juvenile.
The gelding showed his talent by winning a Blue Diamond Prelude, which until last Sunday was his only win.
When the flashy chestnut lost his way, Riley opted to send him to Campbell as a last resort.
Last Sunday he was given the gun run in the race by in-form jockey Anthony Darmanin who had him travelling in the 1×1 position on a good speed set by My Tourmaleen and Hell Strong that matched motors to the homer turn.
When Darmanin erased Innocent Gamble out three-wide to challenge at the top of the home straight he quickly gathered in the leaders and went on to win comfortably.
Listen to trainer Barry Campbell’s interview with Tasracing’s Peter Staples after the race – click here .