Bitofmerit prepares for his biggest test in Saturday’s Listed Bolton Sprint (1200m) and despite his last start defeat, trainer Michael Campbell remains confident he is up to the challenge.
Michael Campbell says Bitofmerit, an exciting son of Demerit, is poised to take the next step into black-type company and validate his high opinion of the four-year-old.
For Campbell, a Group 1-winning trainer in 1998, Bitofmerit has flashed huge potential from the get-go when he won the first three races of his career at Belmont.
He was ultra impressive in defeating quality mare Buzzoom on debut and doubled down at his next start with a sizzling come from near last victory by 2 ¼ lengths.
Bitofmerit has been successful on five occasions to date with a further three second placings from 10 starts contributing to his prizemoney tally of nearly $300,000.
Campbell’s home bred goes into his first Listed event looking to bounce back after finishing seventh behind in-form gelding Vast Art over 1400m two weeks back.
In only the second time he has missed a top three finish, Bitofmerit got shuffled back towards the back end of the 14-horse line-up and lost his position in running.
Campbell has backed Bitofmerit to bounce back strongly in the Bolton and cautioned supporters to rule a line through his last-start performance.
“He hit a flat spot last start, but seems to have bounced back ok,” Campbell told The Races WA.
“We were just unlucky in the run, I think, it was not the way he likes to race.
“He jumped well and pulled a little bit early and then sort of lost his position and had to go right back.
“He then got baulked and it was one of those races that you want to forget.
“We all go through those runs we like to forget.
“He has been too consistent and you have to forgive them.
“You certainly have to forgive them for one.
“I’m quite happy to nominate him for the Bolton.
“On his times he will be more than competitive.”
The Bolton Sprint has attracted 19 nominations. Bitofmerit, to be ridden by Lucy Warwick, has come up with gate 15.
