Spreyton trainer Barry Campbell put a lifetime of experience in the racing industry to good use to win the $125,000 Newmarket Handicap with outsider Deroche at Mowbray on Wednesday night.
Although one of the best-performed mares of recent years, Deroche’s form had been a little indifferent this season so Campbell decided it was time to change things around.
“She’s a five-year-old mare now and has probably just been going through the motions,” the trainer said.
“So I put blinkers on her to switch her on and (jumping) a few hurdles hasn’t hurt her either.
“I just had to switch things around a bit.
“I even galloped her this morning to fire her up and get her thinking again.”
The masterful tactics saw Deroche, ridden by apprentice Codi Jordan, cross from the second outsider barrier and lead virtually all the way.
Second stakes win for Needs Further 5yo DEROCHE in the Newmarket Hcp at Launceston.@EnsignLodge @CodiJordan8 @StarTbreds @mmsnippets @Armidale_Stud @RBloodstock pic.twitter.com/l0e8i4Ewn3
— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) December 1, 2021
It was also a great training achievement by Glenn Stevenson to finish runner-up with three-time Newmarket winner I’m Wesley who hadn’t race since February 2020.
Like Jordan, Daniel Ganderton went forward from the outside gate and I’m Wesley was running second all the way.
First Accused ran home well to be a half head away third, completing the trifecta for long-priced runners.
Favourite And Beyond, who was backed off the map from $4.40 to $2.50, ran eighth and never looked a winning chance.
Second favourite War Correspondent was ruled a non-runner after being denied a fair start.
Campbell said Deroche deserved another feature win.
“She’s won 13 of 22 and not many mares can do that,” the trainer said.
“She’s been a great horse and has a great record at Mowbray.
“There was no tail-end to this race – it was as good a Newmarket as you’ll see.”
Codi Jordan was rapt to land the biggest win of her short career.
“It’s a huge thrill to win my first major race and I owe a massive thanks to Barry and Star Thoroughbreds (Deroche’s managing owner),” Jordan said.
“She jumped really well and, with blinkers first time, put herself forward and it was all good from then on.”
Copy: Greg Mansfield, The Advocate
