Michael Campbell says he won’t be taking any risks with his stable pinup after he felt the effects of his spectacular victory at Belmont last Wednesday.
Bitofmerit appeared to have the job ahead of him when he turned for home next to last, but underlined his class with a sizzling sprint over the final 200m.
The son of Demerit, ridden by Lucy Warwick, bolted in and won the 1000m class 1 event by 2 ½ lengths to keep his unbeaten record anchored at two wins.
It followed an equally impressive win on debut last September when he defeated Buzzoom, a subsequent winner of the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m).
Campbell said Bitofmerit is a raw talent, but needs time to mature physically.
“He pulled up shin sore which is a bit of concern as he hasn’t suffered that previously,” Campbell told The Races WA.
“He will go out and have a good break of a couple of months and we can avoid the firmer tracks over summer.
“He’s still growing into himself and it’s my aim to look after and protect him.
“I was in two minds to race him last week because he had slightly jarred up.
“I guess it makes the win look even better.”
Bitofmerit’s second win didn’t go unnoticed with significant interest nationally and internationally.
Campbell admits the reaction has caught him by surprise.
“The phone has been ringing hot,” Campbell said.
“It must tell you how well he went.
“There’s been offers from Hong Kong and Melbourne, but at this stage I haven’t looked at anything concrete.
“I would love to take him over to Melbourne and campaign there, there are so many more races and options.
“I had a great time in Melbourne when I took some horse over a few years back.
“He might even transfer to another trainer and I would still retain an ownership share.
“If he did go, I would like to see him in a smaller stable set up.
“But that’s all to be worked out later.
“For the moment he is going to have a good break.”