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Campbell playing it safe with Croupier
Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk ⢠ May 2nd, 2025 3:00 pm
Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)
Andrew Campbell has had plenty of success in Australia, highlighted by his former Group One-winning stars Tavistock and Werther, and this month he is hoping Croupier 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.
Itâs 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.
âWe flew to Sydney and stayed at Craig Ritchieâs and he has done super, he has probably done too well,â Campbell said.
âHe has been at Craig Ritchieâs 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.
âWe are at Paul Shailerâs (Gold Coast), he has got a great set-up, itâs very nice.â
Croupier was a dual acceptor at Eagle Farmâs meeting on Saturday, and Campbell has strategically opted to contest the BRC Members Class 3 Plate (1600m) over the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m).
âIt was a hard call because we made both races, but we were thinking if he goes a good race in the Guineas but doesnât 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),â Campbell said.
âWe 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 canât be sneezed at.â
Campbell was pleased with Croupierâs 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.
âWe gave him a good, hard gallop (on Thursday morning), and he probably needed it. He looks amazing, I couldnât be happier,â Campbell said.
âHe (Du Plessis) rode for us back when he was riding in New Zealand, he rode Werther in the early days,â Campbell said. âIt is always good to have that Kiwi connection.â
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.
âI love it, itâs what you get up in the morning for,â he said. âItâs exciting times.â
