Improving sprinter Deepour will be in unchartered waters in the Missile Stakes when he not only takes on Group company for the first time but does so on a seven-day back-up.
Trainer Adam Campton has talked himself through all the pros and cons of the decision and reached the conclusion it is the right time of the horse’s career to roll the dice.
“I’ve never been afraid to have a go at something,” Campton said.
“Having a go at a Group Two on the back-up, it’s a little bit in the back of my mind, but at this point in time I think he’ll be able to do it and hopefully he can run a good race.
“He’s a different horse this preparation, a couple of preps ago I definitely wouldn’t have backed him up.
“But he’s happy, he’s in a good frame of mind, he’s very healthy. He might just relish it.”
Deepour was doing his best work late when third to Insurrection over 1100m at Randwick last weekend in a race dominated by the on-speed horses.
Campton expects him to enjoy the step up to 1200m on Saturday and while he is taking on the likes of Group 1 performers Golden Mile and Big Parade, he will have the advantage of race fitness.
He will also have recent history on his side with the past two Missile winners, Hard Empire and Phobetor, hailing from Queensland.
“A Queenslander has won it the past two years so hopefully we can make it three in a row,” Campton said.
“Big Parade looks the leader and there looks to be OK speed, but even with a bit of rain around, they might be found wanting late a couple of those horses fresh-up.
“He’s loving life in Sydney so hopefully the change is as good as a holiday.”
Adding to the Queensland flavour is the booking of Ryan Maloney, one of Brisbane’s top jockeys who recently made the move to Sydney hoping to capitalise on the void left by the defection of Hugh Bowman and Brenton Avdulla to Hong Kong.
Maloney opened his new chapter with three rides at Randwick last Saturday and has five mounts at Rosehill, headed by Deepour.
Campton believes Maloney’s riding style will suit his horse and is rapt to have him on.
“He’s a very patient rider, he’s got great hands, and that was one of the reasons why we chose him,” Campton said.
“He’s very hungry at the moment, he’s working hard to get his weight down and I think he’ll be a perfect fit for Deepour.”