"He hasn't had the best of luck this time in as he has struck some tracks that just don't suit him," he said.
"I thought he was ready to show some improvement as he has a great record at Wanganui and the past two years, he has been beaten by Group One winners in this race, which is
no disgrace at all.
"A few things were in his favour today and added to that was a top ride by Darryl.
"He showed all his experience to take him to the front when he did and he rated him to perfection.
"A few jockeys would have sat where they were but he felt the horse was travelling well enough to do what he did.
"If he had of been run down, I wouldn't have been critical of him."
Campbell will now look around for another target for his charge, with the Gr.3 Bramco Granite and Marble Manawatū Cup (2300m) a likely option.
"He's a funny horse as I just don't think he is as effective past 2000m," he said.
"He's been run down a number of times when looking a winner at a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half, but that may have just been circumstances.
"It does make him a hard horse to place but if he could get a good trip then a race like the Manawatū Cup might not be beyond him."
The victory made it nine wins from 54 starts for Hunta Pence, who took his prizemoney earnings to just under the $200,000 mark.