Bitofmerit can continue his winning momentum at Belmont
Bunbury trainer Michael Campbell holds high hopes Bitofmerit can continue his winning momentum when tackling a distance probe at Belmont on Saturday.
Michael Campbell flirted with starting Bitofmerit in the Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m), but opted for the Furphy Handicap (1400m) as a better alternative.
Bitofmerit is out to claim his second straight win at his third start this preparation after his sensational last-to first victory over 1200m three weeks ago.
With an eye on the Ascot carnival later this year, Campbell is keen to test Bitofmerit at 1400m for the first time as opposed to dropping back to the Beaufine.
“I never wanted to come back to the 1000m, anyway,” Campbell said to The Races WA.
“If I’m happy on Saturday I can always come back in two weeks for the Bolton (1200m).
“1400m back to 1200m makes more sense in my way of thinking.
“It’s easier than 1200m back to a 1000m.
“I can’t see a problem him running a 1400m, seeing him the other day.
“I couldn’t see a problem with the 1400m, after that you might have to query it a bit I suppose.”
Bitofmerit has flashed Ascot carnival credentials from as early his maiden appearance two years ago when he ran on powerfully from the back of the field.
It was the first of three straight wins that elevated his profile and garnered significant and strong interest from prospective buyers.
Following nine starts, Bitofmerit has won five races and finished second three times for earnings and bonuses reaching $300,000.
After being hampered by a nasty virus when last in work, Campbell says Bitofmerit has recovered well from his two runs back.
“He’s had no trouble whatsoever,” Campbell said.
“We’ll see how he goes in the next one or two before we map out a plan for later on.
“He’s building a bit of a profile and I’ve poured the work into him since his last run.
“He’s a happy horse at the moment.”
In a field of 16 starters Bitofmerit has drawn barrier eight.
Regular rider Lucy Fiore is back on after suspension ruled her out last-start.
Bitofmerit is currently $4.40 with Tabtouch. He splits favourite Top Of The Pops ($4.20) and Vast Art ($4.80).
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Tony Gollan’s two-year-old Itching To Go in 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Tony Gollan is leaning on a proven strategy as Itchintogo lines up on a seven-day backup in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) this Saturday. The approach has delivered strong results historically, with six winners of the $3 million race following the same path over the past 15 years. Purchased for $60,000...