Stakes winner Barber, the latest ex-Godolphin galloper to join the Richard Litt stable, could prove one of the most astute acquisitions yet.

The 2023 Blue Diamond Prelude winner was bought for $215,000 by Jason Micallef’s Monarch Bloodstock through Inglis’ December digital sale.

Monarch Bloodstock, a newer player in syndication, has given Litt confidence that Barber will be a valuable addition. He will have his second start for his new connections in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) at Gosford on Saturday.

“He was bought by Jason Micallef from Monarch Racing, a new syndicator making his way in the last couple of years in Sydney. He’s supported me with horses,” Litt said. “He fits our mould, an older sprinter having a change of atmosphere.”

Litt, known for his work with dual Group 1 winner Castelvecchio, has found success with former Godolphin horses like Morton’s Fork and Sedition. He believes Barber can continue that trend after an encouraging third at Canterbury last month.

“His work since then has been excellent. He likes soft ground by the looks of his form, and Tyler (Schiller) is back on with 53 kilos,” Litt said.

Though Barber was entered for a Listed sprint in Brisbane, connections opted for Gosford after a wide draw, with a potential Queensland trip still on the cards.

“He’s exciting and hopefully, he can run well and then we can take him to Brisbane for the winter,” Litt said.

Barber holds entries for both the Doomben 10,000 (1200m) and Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).