Trainer Richard Litt believes Barber is ideally suited for Wednesday’s Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton, a race he has deliberately set the gelding for this winter.

Originally with Godolphin and James Cummings, Barber won the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) in 2023 but managed just one more victory before being sold in December last year.

Now under the care of Litt and owned by Monarch Bloodstock, Barber has had a carefully spaced preparation leading into the $200,000 feature sprint.

“He’s always had the ability,” Litt said. “It’s more a matter of figuring him out mentally. He’s not the easiest horse to train, but he’s really coming into his own now.”

Barber joins stablemate Bacchanalia, who ran second in last year’s Ramornie, giving the stable another serious contender this year.

Barber’s form includes a second-up victory in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m), followed by solid runs in the Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m) and the Group 3 WJ Healy Stakes (1200m).

“We’ve been planning for this one,” Litt said. “We skipped some of the Queensland carnival to have him peaking for Grafton.”

Barber will jump from barrier four and is rated a $4.50 chance, with Dylan Gibbons engaged for the ride.

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