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.”
