Battlecamp back a winner at Sandown

Co-trainer Lee Freedman says when Battlecamp finally learns how to race properly there will be a Group race win come his way.

Battlecamp collected his second win from 11 career starts in the Mitavite Challenge (1600m) at Sandown on Wednesday.

After a successful debut at Bendigo in October 2015, Freedman said a number of things had conspired against the gelding and stopped him producing his best.

But Freedman is hoping now that Battlecamp has broken through he may have turned the corner.

Ridden by Craig Williams, Battlecamp was sent out the $1.90 favourite before scoring a 4-1/2 length win.

Blinkers were added to Battlecamp’s gear on Wednesday and Freedman said the headwear may need some more tinkering.

“He may not need them and we may go to a visor,” Freedman said.

“We’ll discuss all that but the important thing is he’s a winner again.”

Battlecamp over-raced in the mid-stages of Wednesday’s race and Freedman suggested he may look at a rise in grade for the gelding.

“Small fields sometimes generate very little speed which doesn’t suit horses like him,” Freedman said.

“I think he’ll be better in a better class of race where there is more tempo.

“He’s got the ability but hasn’t shown it and basically he’s very dumb, but I’d rather have one like that with ability than a straightforward slow one.”

Williams said Battlecamp had the potential to be a be a Group horse but was still a work in progress and a difficult ride.

“Hopefully he’s got the confidence now and he can put his ability into results,” Williams said.

Another trainer with Group aspirations is Archie Alexander after Fastnet Latina won the Mitavite Challenge (1400m) in the final stride.

Fastnet Latina had his first three starts in the United States before making his Australian debut with a 1200m maiden win at Terang last month.

Alexander said he kept Group thoughts to himself following the Terang success but is hopeful the four-year-old will make the grade.

He said would take it slowly in the short-term, looking at Saturday metropolitan company before graduating to a higher grade.

Apprentice Brandon Stockdale was suspended for seven meetings for causing interference aboard Spirit Or Lager who finished third behind Fastnet Latina.