Top trots trainer makes racing transition

Pacing identity Andrew De Campo prepared his second winner as a Thoroughbred trainer after Dr Ava won the QBE Insurance Hcp (1705m) at Bunbury last Friday.

De Campo, widely regarded as among the State’s best trotting trainers, gained a dual-licence last year.

Dr Ava ($12) claimed a 1½-length victory from Prince Kodiak — the seven-year-old mare’s second win for De Campo.

Apprentice hoop Alex Hearn was in the saddle.

Jockey Shaun O’Donnell rode a double at the meeting, steering Priceless Cat ($3.20) to an impressive two-length win in the Vero Insurance Maiden (1016m) and Fashion Princess ($2.40f) to victory by ½-length in the Ace Insurance Maiden (1420m) for leading trainer Grant Williams.

Outsider Cold Handel ($18) upstaged highly-fancied rivals Rose and Talk up a Storm to claim the MGIB Hcp (1200m).

It was an all the way victory for the Robin Elliott-trained five-year-old, who jumped from gate five with Willie White on his back.

Other winners at the Bunbury meeting were Days Like These, Gotabay, Electioneer and Miss Motown.