Jewel on Stampe’s radar after victory
NEXT year’s QTIS 3YO Jewell could be on the cards for Stampe should the gelding continue to improve on the back of his second career win.
Jockey Sean Cormack steered Stampe home to victory in Saturday’s QTIS TwoYears-Old Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at Gold Coast, well and truly putting the disappointing start to his second preparation behind him.
Stampe finished sixth and seventh in his opening runs before just missing a win at Ipswich and breaking through for the win at Aquis Park on the weekend.
“It was a good effort,” trainer Chris Munce said.
“It probably wasn’t the strongest race but it was more about getting a bit more confidence back for him.
“He is a very good galloper but he struck an ordinary track first up at the Gold Coast and the distance was probably too short (900m).
“It probably knocked him about a bit more than I thought.
“Then he went to Ipswich and his run was fair but certainly not up to the level I know he can perform at.
“His last two runs have been good. They have improved and it was good he could crack it. Hopefully that will give him a bit more confidence again.”
Munce said he would take Stampe through his grades before eyeing something better down the track should he continue to run well.
“Long term, maybe in March he might head towards the Jewel if he keeps on improving. But that is a long way off yet.”
The meet was the last of the 2018-19 season for Gold Coast and the winners of each of the premierships has been decided.
Griffin secured the jockeys’ premiership last weekend, finishing with 42 wins for the season. Jag GuthmannChester claimed the apprentice jockeys’ premiership with 12 wins, while Les Kelly won the trainers’ title for a second straight season with 28 wins.