VRC National Jockeys Trust 20 May 2023

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A rise in trip to 2000m is expected to suit Tapa Capall.

A trip to Brisbane for Tapa Capall could be on the agenda if the three-year-old is successful at Flemington

The David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins-trained gelding runs in the National Jockeys Trust Trophy (2000m) on Saturday with the possibility of backing up a week later in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm. 

The lightly raced son of Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente has been looking for the 2000m trip and potentially further. 

But one potential problem for Tapa Capall is barrier 17 in the 18-horse field that includes two emergencies, although the field has been reduced by one already with Starianne being an acceptor for races in Sydney and Adelaide on Saturday. 

Tapa Capall has raced on six occasions, scoring in maiden grade at Bendigo at his second start while filling a place in his other five outings. 

"I think he's potentially a good chance this week," Brideoake said. 

"Wet, dry, it doesn't matter," Brideoake said. 

"But I don't like the fact that he's drawn the outside, however his last run was very good. 

"He had a bad stumble coming out of the gates and got back in the race and it wasn't a very high tempo, but he did good job really. 

"We'll send him around and if he gets some luck in running, he's a nice chance in this race. 

"He's crying out for the 2000 metres and there is also the consideration that if he was good enough to win and give us some confidence, we may even back him up a week later in the Derby. 

"He's been paid up for it along the way, so we'll see what he does on Saturday and make a call after that." 

Tapa Capall won his maiden on heavy ground at Bendigo, while he has been placed on going ranging from Good 3 to Soft 7. 

"Wet, dry, it doesn't matter," Brideoake said. 

"He is pretty handy on wet ground, but we'll probably be running on a Good 4 or a Soft 5, so it won't worry him." 

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