Classy Demerit galloper Bitofmerit has overcome a viral complaint and is back on track for a return to racing, according to trainer, Michael Campbell.
Bitofmerit has not raced since finishing second-last to Snipparoochy in a 1200m handicap at Belmont five weeks ago, his first career loss.
The bubble burst for the richly talented gelding who went into his previous race unbeaten after winning his first three races in exciting fashion.
Campbell admitted Bitofmerit’s first defeat came as a bit of a surprise, but he later discovered there were genuine reasons for the poor display.
“It took a bit longer to get over the run, but he’s just turned the corner now,” Campbell said.
“He’s just starting to come good after getting a virus and a bit of a lung infection.
“It was very annoying, but it will be ok, we’ve done all the tests on him and it was just a matter of rest.
“We treated him and it’s probably taken two or three weeks longer to get over it than I thought initially.
“He’s just started to turn the corner and I’ve started to step us his work a little bit.
“He’ll work through now and I’ll consider giving him a start in probably three or four weeks.”
A homebred, Campbell kept Bitofmerit after he failed to attract any interest from buyers.
A family affair, Bitofmerit is raced by Campbell and his partner and daughter.
Meanwhile Ascot trainer Neville Parnham is excited by the progress of his Sires Produce Stakes winner, Snowdome.
Parnham expects the Rommel colt to feature prominently in major three-year-old races at the Pinnacles carnival.
“We probably won’t see him to the opening of Ascot,” Parnham said.
“Hopefully, he can get amongst it at the Ascot carnival.
“He’s been in work for a few weeks and he looks great, he’s a big, strong individual.
“I have intentions of stretching him out to 1600m.
“Although he got a few cheap sectionals in the Sires, I thought he ran it out solidly.
“As he is a bit more mature he might be a bit more settled.
“His primary target is the WA Guineas.”
Bunbury trainer said the heavy track conspired against Resortman at Belmont last Saturday.
A winner of the Bolton Sprint (1200m) previously, Resortman finished 9th of 10 in the Belmont Newmarket (1200m).
Lane said Resortman will tackle the Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) in two weeks.
Julio Santarelli