Barber brings proven class to Litt’s New Years Day 2026 Canterbury Sprint hopes

Richard Litt’s stable is still basking in the glow of Caffe Florian’s Gosford Guineas win, but attention now turns to Barber and the Canterbury Sprint on New Year’s Day.

The former Godolphin-trained galloper arrived at Warwick Farm in April and has gone from strength to strength under Litt’s care.

Barber has drawn barrier one for the Listed 1200m contest in Sydney and will face 14 rivals as he looks to add further black type to his resume.

“What a wonderful horse to have in the stable,” Litt said.

“He’s going very, very well and he’s been great to his owners. You know, they’re very hard races to win all the time. Those sorts of black type listed sprint races are so competitive.”

The transition from Godolphin colours was made smoother by Litt’s close ties with the operation, with Barber already delivering a Listed victory in the Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) earlier this year.

“We have a very good connection with Godolphin and their horses and their staff,” Litt said.

“So we always keep an eye on these horses and Monarch Racing bought him and paid a lot of money ($215,000) in December last year.”

“He’s going to pick up a couple of more wins and he’s going to be a load of fun over the next 12 to 18 months.

“We love him. We absolutely love him.”

Litt will also saddle Tutto in the Ranvet Plate (1900m), a race he expects the gelding to improve in over further, while Tennessee Dolly steps out in the Hyland Race Colours Plate (1200m) after a series of unlucky performances.

Latest Canterbury Sprint odds are available at the Australian betting sites list.