Luke Campbell confident of Platinum success
Apprentice Luke Campbell passed 50 city wins last weekend and he’s hoping to carry that momentum into Saturday’s Belmont card with El Patron in the Tabtouch-Westspeed Platinum Winter Series Final (1400m).
Luke Campbell has formed a solid partnership since teaming up with the Simon Miller-trained four-year-old and thinks he can breakthrough again after leading him to a drought-breaking win at Ascot over 1400m in April.
Campbell came extremely close to helping El Patron record his third career win last-start, but after racing wide he was denied victory by Climb On Top who scored after William Pike’s skillful rails-hugging Belmont ride two weeks ago.
El Patron carries 56kg in the final and has drawn gate one, a starting position that Campbell plans to use up.
“If there is not too much speed I might even try to lead on him,” Campbell said on Tabradio.
“I’ve also figured out the last couple times I’ve ridden him I’ve put the whip into the left and he sort of seems to find.
“I’ll do that tomorrow (Saturday) as well and I think he’s capable and I do think he can win the race.
“Hopefully he can run a good race and I think he’s a good chance.”
El Patron is $7 with betting apps, sharing the second line with Bird’s The Word.
Special Sort heads betting at $5.50, firming from $7.50.
Climb On Top and Valdarena are $7.50 with Ginger Green $9.50.
Sapphire Street, Campbell’s mount in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1400m), is rated a $5 chance with bookmakers.
The Dan Morton-trained filly backs up after running on for fifth in last weeks Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m).
Campbell is happy to renew his association with the three-year-old after guiding her to a Listed Sheila Gwynne Classic (1400m) win in April.
Sapphire Street goes up against eight rivals including dual Listed winner Investmentstrategy, who resumes after last year’s successful campaign.
“The last time I rode her she won the Sheila Gwynne beating a few nice horses, but at the same time she had 52.5kg on her back,” Campbell said.
“We come up against a good field and a horse like Investmentstrategy, but I think she’ll run well.”
Sapphire Street carries 56kg with Campbell’s claim and jumps from barrier nine.
Campbell and Antique Miss proved a dominant winning combination last time out, scoring by three lengths.
Despite copping barrier 13, Campbell thinks she can go back to back in the Accolades Wine Handicap (1600m).
“I think she can win again, there’s no reason why she can’t,” Campbell said.
“The way she won last time she definitely deserves to be in the race.
“We’ve drawn a tough barrier like last time, but I was lucky to get into a nice spot.
“Off her last win she can win again, but I wish I had a better barrier.”
Antique Miss is the clear-cut $3.20 favourite.
Campbell’s other mounts are Serviceman in race three and Galaxy Affair in the last.
He rates El Patron as his best of the day.
“I’m excited to get back on Sapphire Street, just because I won a Listed race and she is going well, but to be honest, I have a feeling El Patron is my best ride,” Campbell said.
“I definitely think he can run top three, he’s got things going his way tomorrow.”
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...