Trainer Barry Campbell reckons Admiral is going better than ever after watching the five year-old break the track-record in the Listed Tasmanian Stakes (1600m).
“When he came back in from a spell, I told the owners he would be even better this season,” Campbell said as Luke Currie returned to scale at Launceston on Wednesday night. “He’s heavier than ever at 600kg. And I knew after his gallop in Saturday morning it would take a decent horse to beat him.”
Admiral got the run of the race and then took a split in the straight to win his second Tasmanian Stakes in a row. “Luke suits him and it was a 10 out of 10 ride,” Campbell continued. “He got the horse to relax when they ran along in front and then got out at just the right time.”
In a repeat result of the Conquering Stakes on December 7, Admiral led home a trifecta from Hellova Street (Helike) and Jerilderie Letter (Bushranger). It was his 15th win in 25 starts and the time (1:34.88s) shattered the old mark set by Geegees Blackflash.
He will maintain the same path as last summer targeting the Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) and Listed George Adams Plate (1600m) at weight-for-age. “They’re both worth $100,000 to the winner,” Campbell said. “He will go to Armidale Stud for a week before coming back to the water-walker. That will give us enough time to tune him up for the next start in five weeks.”
Admiral is a son of Vinery sire Mossman and is building a reputation not unlike that of Mossman’s Queensland favourite Buffering. “He’s a hero in Tasmania,” part-owner Denise Martin declared. “He broke the track record tonight and I think it was his best win ever.”
