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
Concord Connie eyes Victorian Group 1 success
Charlotte Littlefield, the Pakenham-based trainer, is opting against chasing substantial prize money in interstate races with Concord Connie, focusing instead on securing a Group 1 win within Victoria.The exciting mare, Concord Connie, has undergone four weeks of preparation and is being readied for her return, with the Group 1 Empire...
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...