In terms of team size, Richard Litt sits among the smaller operators, but he excels at recognising elite prospects.
The Warwick Farm trainer, who prepared dual Group 1 hero Castelvecchio and 2021 Spring Champion Stakes conqueror Profondo, now boasts an exciting addition in up-and-coming filly Caffe Florian.
This Snitzel filly three-year-old transitioned rapidly from maiden success at her November second start to Listed Gosford Guineas (1200m) glory a month later, marking an exceptional introductory preparation.
Staying grounded, Litt is cautious about her first-up assignment in the Fireball Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday, while looking forward to rewards for owners Wendy and Ottavio Galletta, familiar from his Group 1 victories.
“They’ve had a few good horses, and they’ve also had a few very slow horses,” Litt said.
“They’re not cheap, horses, they’re big investments, and they’d have seven or eight horses, so I’m very excited for them.
“But we keep our heads on. Anything can happen in racing and we’re just happy to be there on Saturday.”
Caffe Florian received a targeted short spell after Gosford, aligned with Sydney’s autumn carnival plans.
Her flagship race is the Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) scheduled for Randwick on April 11, a stepping stone for stars including Joliestar (2024) and Classique Legend (2019).
Eye-catching in her recent barrier trial with a strong finish, she holds summer form, leading Litt to predict a respectable return.
“We didn’t want to overtax her in the barrier trial, just give her a nice, easy dash and she has really come on from that nicely,” Litt said.
“There is still lots of improvement to come, and there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge, but all being well our grand final is the Arrowfield.
“She’s not screwed down 110 per cent for Saturday, but she will still run a nice race.”
Raging Force’s scratch to take on the Challenge Stakes (1000m) reduces the Fireball to nine participants, with colt Beadman favoured early.
Visit trusted Australian betting sites to place your wagers on the Fireball Stakes.
