Rising young trainer Cameron Crockett reveals Barbass has had issues, but considers his quality can still carry the occasion, resuming in a TAB $60,000 Highway Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Sydney Cup day on Saturday.
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The Mudgee combination has already made an impact on the big stage with Barbass, as a two-year old, finishing second at headquarters to the James Cumming’s Group filly Skylight Glow last May, after he won the Inglis Challenge at Scone.
Crockett, who won a Rosehill Highway last season with stablemate Moss My Name, then ambitiously contested the Group One J J Atkins Classic at Eagle Farm where Barbass, ridden by Damien Oliver, finished down the track.
“He didn’t come up last preparation, ten months off is a big ask, but he’s had two recent trials, worked terrific, and is a different horse since we tried blinkers,” explained Crockett.
“If he progresses like we think he can from Saturday, we’ll be going to the Scone Guineas.”