7 Dec 2017
Andrew Campbell is comfortable with his decision to pass up a Group One spring opportunity with his promising three-year-old Athletica.
The Cambridge trainer opted to give the Tavistock colt a rest instead of pressing on to Christchurch for the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).
“I’m glad, it was the right call,” Campbell said. “It’s a tough, three-day trip that can knock them around too much. He’s come back well from a break and strengthened up.
“He’s nominated for the Derby and first we’ll try to get him to the Karaka Million race.”
Athletica beat the stakes performers Satin Belt and Scott Base on debut before he was unplaced in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). He then had a chequered run when out of the money in the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m). - NZ Racing Desk