Kiwi trainer Howie Mathews says topweight Sampson is in first-class order for Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup but admits he has his eye on an even bigger prize seven days later.

Venerable stayer Sampson took advantage of the new conditions of the Listed Yealands Family Wines NZ St Leger at Trentham on Saturday to run out an emphatic eight-length winner.

Sampson, a $20,000 purchase at the 2011 Festival Sale at Karaka, took his earnings past $400,000 with his third black type win in Saturday’s Listed Marton Cup at Awapuni.

South Island apprentice Tanya Jonker will renew her association with Howie Mathews’ Otaki stable on Saturday.

Magic Chai wins 2018 Castletown Wellington Cup Group 3 NZ$250,000 at Trentham (NZ), 3200m.