The 2015 Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap field has been released and the talented Admiral is set to return to the races in the Listed event at Launceston on Wednesday.
Admiral finished fifth behind Wandjina (pictured) in the 2015 Australian Guineas at Flemington. Photo by: Adrienne Bicknell
Admiral made his racing debut in October of 2013 and he stamped himself as the leading two-year-old in Tasmania when he took out the Listed Elwick Stakes (1100m) at Hobart on February 2 and the Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) at Launceston on February 26.
The son of Mossman made it five wins on the trot when he took out the Wakeful Club Two-Year-Old Classic (1200m) at Hobart on May 11 and the Tasmanian Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Launceston on May 25 before he was sent to the spelling paddock.
Admiral started his three-year-old campaign with a defeat at the hands of Valiant Warrior in the Hesketh McCrimmon Insurance Cup (1200m) at Launceston on December 17, but he returned to winning form in the Steve’s Liquor Three-Year-Old Trophy (1400m) at the same venue on December 31 and the Listed Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) at Hobart on January 11.
He was beaten by Streetwise Savoire in the Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) at Hobart on February 9, but he stamped himself as a the real deal when he upset The Cleaner to take out the Listed George Adams Plate (1600m) at Launceston on February 25.
Admiral was sent to Melbourne for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 7 and he did not have a great deal of luck in running, but he was still able to finish a more than credible fifth behind Wandjina, Alpine Eagle, Stratum Star and Kermadec.
Campbell elected to send Admiral for a lengthy spell following the Australian Guineas, but he is thrilled with the condition of the four-year-old ahead of the Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap and he confirmed that he would likely press on to the Listed Conquering (1400m) at Launceston on December 9, the Thomas Lyons Stakes and the George Adams Plate.
Admiral will take on 11 rivals in the Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap and he will need to perform at his best to return to the races with a win.
Geegees Doublejay has recorded six wins from his past seven starts and he stamped himself as a genuine Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap contender with a dominant four lengths victory in the Members Quality (1100m).
The Wordsmith gelding will have the chance to record his maiden win at black-type level after finished behind Admiral in the Elwick Stakes and the Gold Sovereign Stakes last year.
The 2015 Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap field is rounded out by Hellova Street, Streetwise Savoire, Valiant Warrior, Snippetee Bee, Tennessee Drive, Geegees Goldengirl, Red Eagle, Merrick’s Beauty, Vandermeer and Erin’s Element.
