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It’s been a long time since Patrick Campbell had a runner in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas and he has a genuine shot at an overdue first victory in his home feature this weekend.

The Hastings trainer will be represented by the promising Don’t Change in the Gr.2 DHL-sponsored event on Saturday.

“He’s going into the unknown by taking on better company, but I believe he’s up to the task and I’ve always thought he could be an exciting three-year-old,” he said.

Campbell knows a thing or two on that subject having prepared the outstanding age group performer Avedon.

He ran third in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas of 1994 before claiming the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas, the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas and the Gr.1 Bayer Classic.

Avedon later finished runner-up in the New Zealand Derby and enjoyed further Group One success as an older horse in the Waikato Draught Sprint.

Campbell’s current contender Don’t Change has made an encouraging start to his career with four two-year-old outings last season returning a defeat of the smart filly Platinum Witness at Trentham and two placings, including a third in the Listed Wellesley Stakes.

“He went well on the wetter tracks, but he definitely prefers better ground,” Campbell said.

Don’t Change has been out once this season to finish fifth in the Guineas Prelude and less than two lengths behind Stratocaster.

“I’m very happy with him and while the winner was impressive, he was getting five kilos,” Campbell said. “It’s one of the more even Guineas we’ve seen for a while.”

Don’t Change is part-owned by his trainer with Canterbury Jockey Club chief executive Tim Mills and a bold showing on Saturday will keep the gelding on track for the Gr.1 Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.

“As long as he acquits himself well on Saturday then we’ll race on through the Wellington Guineas and hopefully to Christchurch,” Campbell said.