The Listed Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford was the most competitive race of the day, with just half a length separating the first five horses.

Former Godolphin gelding Barber ($8) got his head down when it mattered, edging out Brudenell ($11) and fast-finishing Spacewalk ($18), with Warnie and Accredited rounding out the top five. Despite not having the most economical run, Barber showed determination to hold on to win.

Jockey Tyler Schiller said, “The pace came out, and myself and Brudenell quickened up and just pulled ourselves to the front. It was just a war from there. It was a ding-dong battle but glad to come out on top.”

Barber, a Group-winning two-year-old for Godolphin, was purchased by Monarch Bloodstock at the Inglis December online sale. His win in the Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) has earned him a trip to Queensland, where he holds nominations for the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap.

Trainer Richard Litt, who has had success with ex-Godolphin gallopers like Castelvecchio, was thrilled with Barber’s resilience, especially after being caught wide. “It was good to see him tough it out,” Litt said.

The $300,000 Takeover Target Stakes was one of three feature races at Gosford, with Les Vampires winning the Gosford Gold Cup and Know Thyself taking out The Coast.