Campaldino triumphs in Group 2 Brisbane Cup

Campaldino continued his rapid rise through the staying ranks with a commanding victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm, setting up a tantalising Melbourne Cup tilt for the spring.

The New Zealand-bred stayer, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, has now reeled off four wins in a row, his latest performance confirming his credentials over two miles on good ground. Ridden confidently by Tim Clark, the son of Ghibellines was given a soft run throughout before hitting the front on the turn and holding off Etna Rosso to win by a length and a quarter.

“Since the blinkers came off, he’s been much better,” Clark said post-race. “He’s thriving with the sun on his back, and when he had clean air today, he just dragged me forward. He’s strong, has energy to burn, and he really picked up when I asked.”

The Brisbane Cup win follows earlier victories in the Orange Cup (2100m), a Benchmark 78 at Randwick, and the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2400m). With each start, the five-year-old gelding has risen to the challenge, and Waterhouse and Bott now have the first Tuesday in November in their sights.

“I think we’ll have to go for the Melbourne Cup,” Bott confirmed. “He’s an amazing progressive horse. There’s still more to come—he was still learning today and wandered a bit when he hit the front. But he responded when challenged and keeps improving.”

Bred by the Ricky & Anna Rhodes Partnership, Campaldino is by White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines out of Shocking mare Zuzana. He began his career in New Zealand with Cody Cole, where he won two of four starts before being privately purchased by Rob Waterhouse for the Darby Racing syndicate.

From 14 career starts, Campaldino has now recorded six wins and four placings, earning over $500,000. His Australian record stands at four wins, three seconds, a third, and two fifths from 10 starts.

2025 Group 2 Brisbane Cup Replay – Campaldino

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