Racing
Brothers in arms
Two Tasmanian-bred brothers turned Launceston into their playground during a brilliant program on Wednesday night.
Mazzini and Durazzo (Needs Further x Arenzano) took out both feature races for trainer Barry Campbell and jockey Kelvin Sanderson in the Star Thoroughbred colours.
Durazzo ($1.70- $1.40 fav) was the headline act, overcoming some anxious moments to win the $125,000 Listed PFD Food Services Conquering Stakes (1400m).
On a night where it was a distinct advantage to be on the rail and up on the speed, Durazzo was in a trailing position behind the leader, First Accused ($16), from early in the race.
With the leader setting only a moderate tempo, Sanderson was forced to sweat on a run presenting, and for the majority of the race, it appeared that run wouldn't come. Eventually, Sanderson found a path up the rail in the home straight, grabbing Just Cruisin' ($8) in a thrilling finish, with First Accused hanging on for third. The exacta was a repeat of the Newmarket Handicap on 21 November.
"I'm going to blame Barry for that. The last thing he said to me after we went out was that if we have no bad luck, we'll win," said Sanderson.
"I ended up in the spot where I didn't want to be on the fence behind the leader, and I was just sweating for a run."
Barry Campbell continues to marvel at the feats of Durazzo, who has overcome early injury setbacks in his career to be one of Tasmania's top gallopers. The 5yo gelding has now won 10 of his 14 career starts and, in 2025 alone, has taken out the Carpet Charge, Hellova Street Stakes, Newmarket, and now the Conquering.
"If he hadn't been injured, he'd have won a million dollars by now, easy," Campbell said.
"He's climbing the ladder quickly of some of the better ones we've had."
The Kevin Sharkie Inevitable Stakes (1600m) in Hobart is the next logical target for Durazzo, with Campbell remaining committed to the Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival before contemplating any mainland targets.
"We're going to get through the carnival here and work it out after that. We really wanted to concentrate on the carnival this year, and that's why he had a long spell out, and it's worked well so far."
Placing in the Newmarket and Conquering at just his seventh and eighth career start, the Kelvin Hamilton-trained Just Cruisin' has proven a formidable foe for Durazzo, and an emerging star in his own right.
Earlier in the night, Durazzo's younger brother, Mazzini, led from barrier to box in the $75,000 BWS 3yo Trophy (1400m).
After Mazzini's pre-race antics contributed to a sub-par effort in the 3yo Cup (1200m) on 21 November, he was well-behaved on Wednesday night, attracting strong market support, firming from $4 on race morning to start the $2.80 second favourite behind 3yo Cup winner Crack the Shutters ($1.75).
Once in front, Sanderson could set the race pace, maintaining his position over his main rival, who settled one out and one back. Mazzini won comfortably by 2.5 lengths on the line, with Daytona Diva ($4.40) a distant third.
"He had no pressure early, but he was going away from them on the line," Campbell said.
"He'll go to the Guineas (1600m) now. There is an option at home if he needs another run, but it depends on how well he does."
Both products of the Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Durazzo, a $97,500 purchase, will likely pass the $500,000 prize money mark next start, while Mazzini, a $145,000 buy in 2024, moved to $126,100 in earnings with his win.
The Inevitable Stakes and Tasmanian Guineas will both be run in Hobart on 28 December.
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