Trainer Richard Litt is optimistic that luck will finally favour his horse Barber at Randwick, after a preparation marred by wet tracks and misfortune.
Barber was withdrawn from last Saturday’s Rosehill meeting due to the sodden surface, but is slated to compete in the Elite Sand and Soil Handicap (1100m) this weekend. With Sydney’s forecast predicting clear skies, Litt is relying on the sprinter encountering favourable conditions.
“He has been very frustrating,” Litt stated. “He’s had no luck this ‘prep’. I’m ripping my hair out with that horse. Wherever he goes on good ground, he will be very hard to beat. It’s just getting that good ground.”
A Group winner during his two-year-old season for Godolphin, Barber was acquired by syndicators Monarch Bloodstock as a proven performer and made his debut for Litt in April of the previous year. He subsequently secured the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) at Gosford in his next start for the stable, has since achieved three black-type placings, and has performed creditably in his three starts this campaign.
In May, he finished just over a length behind the winner when fifth in the Chief De Beers (1110m) at Doomben. He then raced unplaced on a heavy track in the Hinkler Handicap (1200m), before finishing less than two lengths off the victor Yellow Brick in the W J Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm in his most recent outing.
Benefiting from barrier five, Barber will carry 59kg, aided by a three-kilogram claim from apprentice William Stanley.
Barber is expected to be one of three Randwick contenders for Litt, alongside Aleppo Pine in the Sydney Roosters Partners Handicap (1100m) and the two-year-old filly Iced Fury in the Marcellin College Randwick Handicap (1100m). Iced Fury recently broke her maiden status at Wyong on debut.
Litt is hopeful that this trio can contribute to his stable’s impressive current form, which has seen them produce seven winners from 18 runners this month, including the recent Rosehill victor, wet-track specialist Romeo’s Choice.
Looking for the latest racing odds? Check out these Australian betting sites for the best markets.
