Classy two-year-old The Barrister has completed an impressive start-to-finish performance to win the Listed Fernhill Handicap (1600m) to open Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick this morning.
The Barrister has claimed ballot-free entry into the Champagne Stakes with success in the Fernhill Handicap. Photo: Steve Hart
Jumping from the gates well, jockey Hugh Bowman immediately led the Star Witness colt to the fore of the field of nine; setting a quick tempo alongside the likes of Clash Of Clans and Rhode Assassin away from the barriers and approaching the turn.
Continuing to keep the pace, The Barrister was offered a clear racing line upon arriving at the final straight and quickly extended his lead; finding the line two lengths in the clear of Godolphin runner Chachapoyas; rank outsider Reckless Russell boxing on for third.
Bowman delivered a typically polished ride on The Barrister for early success on Day 2 of The Championships and was quick to lay the praise on trainer Jason Warren and his talented mount in the success.
“I actually jumped on him on Thursday morning and gave him a canter … Even though I only cantered him on the sand I got a lot of confidence out of the horse, he’s a beautiful mover by Star Witness and the wet track was not going to be a problem,” Bowman said after crossing the line.
“I didn’t really want to go out and lead but I just needed to do that to get him into a nice rhythm and it proved a good move.
“I know Jason was very confident.”
Warren was understandably pleased to saddle a black type winner on Day 2 of The Championships and revealed a tilt at next weekend’s Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) may come to fruition for The Barrister.
“He had it at his own leisure in front,” Warren said.
“The horse was pretty keen today and I thought he went a little bit fierce in the early stages.
“Once he got into a nice rhythm he really let go late and ran out the mile really strong.
“If the horse comes through today’s run well we’ll look at running next week – the winner of this race is exempt from ballot in the Champagne so might have a throw at the big stumps.
“He’s a horse that probably needed the run today, you could see he was a little bit fresh and that will take the edge off him, he’ll settle better.
“He’ll run well next week, especially if we get a wet track.”
Having taken out the 2015 Fernhill Handicap, The Barrister has now posted two wins and one minor place finish over a total of six career starts.
