Barry back to his best
Stawell trainer Paul Jones’ Barry The Baptist returned to form with a strong win at Warracknabeal.
The four-year-old lined up in the 200-metre Emmett’s John Deere handicap at benchmark-64 level. Talented Warrnambool-based apprentice Melissa Julius was in the saddle.
Barry The Baptist settled well back upon jumping, getting a soft run. The Hard Spun gelding remained near the tail before making ground at the 700-metre mark. Once in the straight, Barry began to let down strongly and looked set for an easy win. However, the fast finishing Blue Bear slashed the margin to a long neck on the post. Nevertheless, Barry is a handy horse with a bright future on the horizon.
Offa comes up with the goods
Another Stawell trainer to enjoy success at the Warracknabeal meeting was Dane Smith.
Smith had former Byron Cozamanistrained galloper Good Offa contesting the Ladbrokes 0-58 1000-metre handicap, with Jarrod Fry on board.
The six-year-old recorded an easy win by three lengths. Good Offa has been a handy money spinner over his career, boasting four wins and $170,319 in stake money.