Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm graduate Barnato began the Singapore juvenile season with a brilliant victory in the Cash Luck Stakes (1000m) at Kranji on Sunday.

Barnato (2g Redoute’s Choice – Glimmers by Success Express) also picked up a bonus for his success as he was bred in Australia and purchased for $300,000 at the 2013 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.

“Inglis accepted Barnato for the Easter Sale in Sydney last year,” Lauriston operations manager James O’Brien recalled.  “But we opted to withdraw him and support the Melbourne Sale.”

Barnato is a three-quarter brother to star filly Gold Edition who won Group 1 sprints at Moonee Valley (Manikato Stakes) and Flemington (Ascot Vale Stakes) in the O’Brien family’s orange and emerald green colours.

Based at Corinella on the shores of Western Port Bay, Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm has a quality draft heading to the Sydney Easter Sale next month headed by a Street Cry – Gold Edition colt (Lot 28).

Barnato took up a handy position off a quick clip in the Cash Luck Stakes and then produced a fine turn of foot to challenge the favourite Racer King for a three-quarter length victory.

“When you’re on a good horse like this, it’s very easy,” Brazilian born jockey Vagner Leal said.  “There’s a lot of speed in this horse and he felt quite confident before the start.  He has a lot of potential.”

Trainer Patrick Shaw prepares the winner for South African based syndicate Nordic Racing.  “I felt the distance would be a bit sharp first-up but class prevailed,” he said  “We will eventually send him out further, possibly up to a mile.”

The Cash Luck Stakes is the first leg of the Singapore 2YO Series which culminates with the Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe on May 16.

– Karl Patterson

BARNATO