Gold Coast trainer Adam Campton will have one eye on the future when he brings talented sprinter Deepour to Randwick on a fact-finding mission.
The horse was an acceptor for races in Sydney and Brisbane, but Campton confirmed he would take his place in Saturday’s Kanebridge Handicap (1100m) at Randwick.
There are several reasons Campton opted for the tougher assignment, including a desire to test the waters in the Sydney arena following Deepour’s encouraging last start fourth in the Ramornie Handicap.
A dazzling piece of trackwork on Tuesday was also a factor, but most importantly Campton was keen to see how Deepour coped with the travel.
“I’ve a had a query on him travelling so I want to see how he handles the travel and how he goes down there,” Campton said.
“If he handles the travel, there’s maybe an opportunity to head back to Sydney next preparation, or I’ve always thought the horse would be awesome in Melbourne down the straight.
“He’s just a bit quirky in that he loves his own spot. That’s why we opted to take him down tonight (Thursday), just to keep him in his routine as much as possible.”
Deepour started his career in Sydney before finding his way to Campton’s stable where he has flourished, winning five of his eight starts and placing in Listed grade in June.
Campton credited the horse’s form to maturity and said the rising six-year-old had taken time to furnish, physically and mentally.
“He’s bigger, he’s stronger. I was actually looking at a photo of him this morning when he first came into the barn and he’s a totally different horse now,” Campton said.
“I just think time and a bit of routine has been the best thing for him.
“Since coming back the last couple of preps, he has come back a different beast.”
Apprentice Dylan Gibbons will partner Deepour on Saturday and while he has to contend with 60kg, Campton is optimistic the gelding will handle the burden, provided he gets galloping room.
“He needs to be ridden that little bit ugly in a way, then get him into clean air,” Campton said.
“I’m always worried about weight. It’s in the back of my mind but he’s a big, strong boy so if he’s good enough and ready to rock and roll, he should be able to carry it.
“He’s got a devastating turn of foot and if they go mad up front, he’ll be the one finishing late.”
