It wasn't any surprise when Donna Logan outbid
her opposition at Karaka last year to take home a son of first season sire
Dalghar (FR).
Having trained the youngster's half-sister Jazzella to win six races, including
two at Group Three level, the $26,000 the Ruakaka horsewoman paid for the grey
is now shaping as an outstanding investment.
Racing as Barabas, he was a bold second on debut and he had no trouble going
one better on Saturday for an impressive win in the Tavistock Syndicate Owners
2YO on his home track.
"He's always showed us a lot of ability – he's very smart," said Logan, who
trains Barabas with Chris Gibbs.
The gelding was out smartly to lead under rider Kelly McCulloch, who was happy
to let Magic Warrior accelerate through on her inner to take up the running.
Barabas was out to challenge on straightening and he powered clear in the
straight to turn the tables on Barcelo, who had his measure a fortnight ago,
with a two and a quarter length victory.
"We'll stick to his home track again and run in his own grade next time and
then we'll probably look at the Listed three-year-old race here in the new
season," Logan said.
She is understandably a big fan of the progeny of Brighthill Farm's Dalghar
having enjoyed black type success in the autumn with his Listed Champagne
Stakes-winning daughter Astara, who also finished fourth in the Gr.2 Matamata
Breeders' Stakes. – NZ Racing Desk.