Barber cuts it fine in to win the Takeover Target Stakes 2025

Barber showcased both class and determination to land the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford, emerging victorious in a pulsating finish that saw just half a length cover the top five runners.

Now trained by Richard Litt and raced by Monarch Bloodstock, Barber ($8) prevailed narrowly from Brudenell ($11) and the charging Spacewalk ($18), while Warnie and Accredited also finished within striking distance in a high-pressure contest.

Tyler Schiller, who was forced to make an early move, praised the colt’s fight and willingness to dig in.

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

The $300,000 feature was Barber’s first stakes win since his juvenile days under Godolphin, and Litt was thrilled to see him fight through adversity.

“He’s a wonderful horse. He ran extremely well first-up at Canterbury and was probably a little bit unlucky,” Litt said.

“Today, I couldn’t watch when he was three-wide. I bowed my head and thought, oh well, what will be will be, and it was good to see him tough it out.”

Barber’s next assignment could come in Queensland, with the gelding holding entries for the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap during the Brisbane Winter Carnival.

Known for success with cast-off Godolphin runners, Litt again proved the value of his buying strategy, adding Barber to a list that includes Morton’s Fork, Sedition, and Huon.

“They (Godolphin) are wonderful to buy off. You know what you’re getting, they’re great horses, James (Cummings) is a wonderful trainer and they have a great team,” Litt said.

The Takeover Target Stakes joined the Gosford Gold Cup and The Coast as headline races on Gosford’s stand-alone card.

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