Ipswich Cup runner up Sampson will take advantage of the increase in distance for Saturday’s Group 3 $200,000 Lazy Yak Tattersall’s Cup which will be run for the first time over 3000m at Eagle Farm.
Bergerac, above in red and white colours (pictured at Randwick) was the winner of the 2019 Ipswich Cup. Photo: Steve Hart.
Kiwi trainer Howie Mathews won’t mind backing up Sampson week to week after the nine year old raced back into form with a fighting second behind Bergerac in last Saturday’s Listed $175,000 Channel Seven Ipswich Cup (2150m) at Ipswich.
“He looks an excellent chance in the Tatt’s Cup this weekend as the 3000 metres will be perfect for him while there is also the option of the Caloundra Cup a week later if he pulled up all right,” Mathews told the NZ Racing Desk.
Mathews has also pencilled in the Listed $175,000 Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on June 29 and an extended stay in the Sunshine State could see Sampson run in the Listed $200,000 Triple M Queensland Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm on July 20.
“A month later there is the Queensland Cup at Eagle Farm again so we are a little spoiled for choice if he can maintain his form and the handicapper treats him well,” Sampson said.
“He is loving it over here as it is like being at home in the summer.”
“It is normally around 27 degrees and he has blossomed.
“He has certainly paid his way and there are numerous other opportunities for him that are coming up over the next few weeks.”
Sampson is the winner of eleven races in New Zealand with his most recent victory being in the Listed NZ$50,000 NZ St Leger (2600m) at Trentham on March 16.
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