Tasmanian trainer Barry Campbell is confident that stable star Admiral is ready to run well first-up in this Listed Caulfield Village Stakes (1200m) this afternoon.
Admiral (inside, rails) will return to racing in the Listed Caulfield Village Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Admiral has been arguably the standout of Tasmanian racing for the best part of two years, and has posted an impressive career total of thirteen wins and four minors through only twenty-one competitive starts.
Last seen fading for eleventh in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 21st, Campbell told Racing Ahead that the Mossman gelding has thrived in his time away from racing and subsequent return to work, and is ready for a strong return in the Caulfield Village Stakes.
“He’s done well. He went home and had about six weeks in the paddock and he’s been back about twelve now, and we’re happy with him,” Campbell said.
“We wanted to give him a break but wanted to have him in work over winter virtually, so he wasn’t out all winter.
“He trialled about ten days ago and trialled really well. His time was good, his last sections were good.”
Admiral made his first mainland appearance when fifth in the talent-rich Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) in 2015, before returning to Tasmania to dominant the state’s sprint feature races over the 2015/16 summer.
Crossing the ditch for one start prior to The Goodwood this year, Admiral was settled on pace in the ATA Women Trainers Handicap (1000m) by jockey Brendon McCoull and was only run down by standout sprinter Supido in the race’s late stages.
Campbell is hopeful that McCoull can find a similarly-positive position in transit in the Caulfield Village Stakes, and believes his runner is a genuine winning chance.
“He’s only been over three times; two were Group 1s and the other was behind that horse of Mick Kent’s (Supido), so he’s raced really well on the mainland in the past,” Campbell said.
‘I’d like to see him running about fifth or sixth, off the fence would be lovely.
“I think he can win. He’s done well, looks really good and is probably stronger than last prep, so we’re here hoping.”
Ladbrokes Australia is currently offering Admiral at 2016 Caulfield Village odds of $6.
