Trainer Richard Litt will look to launch Barber’s second preparation with another feature win when the sprinter resumes in Saturday’s $300,000 The Warra (1000m) on The Gong program at Kembla Grange.

The Exceed And Excel gelding, a $215,000 Inglis Digital buy for Monarch Racing, delivered early for his new stable last prep, claiming the Listed Takeover Target Stakes before finishing third in the Ramornie Handicap.

“He’s a wonderful horse… if we can knock off one or two more races he’s really done his job,” Litt said.

Barber has trialled twice at Warwick Farm, finishing sixth both times without being asked for much, a deliberate tactic to keep him fresh.

“We’ve mindfully kept him very, very fresh,” Litt said. “He’s a little bit lazy and very unassuming in his work… but he’s ready for game day.”

While not a natural 1000-metre specialist, Litt believes the race shape will suit.

“It’ll probably be on fast enough ground, at a fast tempo… he’ll be just in behind the speed and you know he’s going to get a good crack at them late.”