Talented O’Reilly mare Campari will continue her preparation aimed towards the Listed The Ultimate Ford and Mazda Tauranga Classic (1400m) next month when she contests the Race Images 1400m at Ellerslie on Saturday. 

The Stephen Marsh-trained four-year-old had a successful campaign in Australia late last year winning two races, including a record breaking performance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day. 

“She broke a class record at Randwick that day – 1.21.33 seconds over 1400m. To do that in Sydney, you have to be good,” Go Racing’s racing manager Albert Bosma said. 

“Not only has she proved herself but also franked our approach of bringing her to Australia while at a low point in the ratings. It paid dividends for her owners, she earned almost $50,000 for those two starts alone and it gave her city form in Australia, which will be important to her value when she retires as a broodmare.” 

Campari resumed in New Zealand in April with a fifth placing at Counties followed by a win at Rotorua at her last raceday appearance on May 11. 

“She needed the fresh-up run at Counties in April and it tidied her up nicely for Rotorua,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. 

“Her effort was impressive as she jumped from a very wide draw, but Leith Innes rode her superbly to get her handy and keep her in a good rhythm.”