Andrew Campbell has had plenty of success in Australia, highlighted by his former Group One-winning stars Tavistock (NZ) (Montjeu) and Werther (NZ) (Tavistock), and this month he is hoping Croupier (NZ) (Ace High) can add his name to that honour roll.
The Otaki trainer has struck gold with his first horse to the races since deciding to return to the training ranks earlier this season, and he thought enough of the son of Ace High to test his talent across the Tasman.
Croupier has won two of his three career starts to date, with his ticket across the Tasman secured with a smart victory over a mile at Ellerslie last start.
It’s been a long journey to Queensland, with no direct flights from Auckland, and Campbell has broken up the trip with a week-long stay in Sydney.
“We flew to Sydney and stayed at Craig Ritchie’s and he has done super, he has probably done too well,” Campbell said.
“He has been at Craig Ritchie’s for a week and he is just a different horse. They always say the trip away makes a horse, and I certainly think it has made him.
“We are at Paul Shailer’s (Gold Coast), he has got a great set-up, it’s very nice.”
Croupier was a dual acceptor at Eagle Farm’s meeting on Saturday, and Campbell has strategically opted to contest the BRC Members Class 3 Plate (1600m) over the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m).
“It was a hard call because we made both races, but we were thinking if he goes a good race in the Guineas but doesn’t get any points, we are going to miss out on the next two races, the Rough Habit Plate (Gr.3, 2000m) and Derby (Gr.1, 2400m),” Campbell said.
“We thought we would play it safe and hopefully he can win that race, and he will be up to going for the next two races. It is still good money, it is worth A$75,000, so that can’t be sneezed at.”
Campbell was pleased with Croupier’s final piece of work on Thursday and expects a bold showing on Saturday, where he will be ridden by former New Zealand jockey Mark Du Plessis.
“We gave him a good, hard gallop (on Thursday morning), and he probably needed it. He looks amazing, I couldn’t be happier,” Campbell said.
“He (Du Plessis) rode for us back when he was riding in New Zealand, he rode Werther in the early days,” Campbell said. “It is always good to have that Kiwi connection.”
Campbell is enjoying his time campaigning in Australia once more, and he is looking forward to spending plenty of time in Queensland over the next month. “I love it, it’s what you get up in the morning for,” he said. “It’s exciting times.”