Richard Litt still learning about Barber ahead of 2025 Ramornie Handicap

Posted by RS NewsWire at 8:38pm on July 15th

Richard Litt is optimistic about Barber’s prospects in Wednesday’s Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton, targeting the race after a careful preparation.

The Exceed And Excel gelding began his career with promise, winning the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) in 2023. But a change of stable followed a quiet stretch, and he was sold in late 2024 to Monarch Bloodstock.

Litt, who now trains the horse, said Barber has taken time to settle but is finally showing his true ability.

“He’s always had talent. The real challenge has been mental—getting inside his head and getting him to relax,” Litt explained.

Barber’s Ramornie campaign includes a win in the Takeover Target Stakes (1200m), and recent runs in the Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m) and WJ Healy Stakes (1200m) that Litt describes as “solid efforts.”

“This race has always been the goal. We held him back a bit with this in mind, and he’s exactly where we want him,” he said.

Barber will start from barrier four with Dylan Gibbons aboard and is one of the early favourites at $4.50.

If you're looking to place a wager on the Ramornie Handicap, explore the top Australian betting sites via this comprehensive guide.

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