Barb Raider Opens Her Account in Style

Mark Smith - Wednesday September 8

The late Rebel Raider has a promising filly in the Jerome Hunter-trained Barb Raider.

Easy as you like, Barb Dancer opens her account (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Following a debut second at Sandown-Lakeside behind the exciting Vancouver gelding Mynumerouno, Barb Raider turned the tables on her last start Sandown conqueror Adele Amour (Sebring) by three and a half lengths when leading at every call under Craig Williams.  

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The Shamus Award filly El Patroness was a further one and three-quarter lengths back in third.

Hunter plans to aim the daughter of VRC Victoria Derby and SAJC South Australian Derby winner Rebel Raider at the Victoria Oaks Trial.

"We've had a long-term plan, and today it cemented what we've always thought of her," Hunter told racing.com.

Williams said the filly has her quirks and bided his time before asking her to extend fully.  

"When she debuted in a ratings race, I knew she had ability," Williams said.

"We were surprised when she was beaten the other day, but what we took out of the race is that we didn't lose; we learnt.

"I actually waited for quite a long time because the only time she got to the front in her races was on pulling up. Once she got in front, you can see why she's got headgear and needs a pony - she looks around for things.

Barb Raider Craig Williams (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

"Today, she was just determined and didn't want any other horse to get near her, which is a great feeling.

"She has a bit more to learn, but she will gain confidence and is effective on top of the ground as well as soft ground.

A homebred for Graebar Park's Graeme Gathercole, Barb Raider is the first foal of the winning host (ARG) mare Graebarb, who hails from the family of the wonderful producer's Halo Again and her daughter She's Discreet.

Graebarb has a 2yo colt named Graewazi, one of four foals left by the obscure Our Wazi and unraced half-brother by Choisir to the Listed winner Belwazi.

Graebarb visited Squamosa last spring.

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Race Result - Ladbrokes Switch (Bm70) 1600m

Sandown-Hillside Track: Good(4) Time: 1:38.80
1
Barb Raider
- 3f Rebel Raider (AUS) x Graebarb (AUS) (Host (CHI))
Tnr: Jerome Hunter Rdr: Craig Williams 59.5
2
3.5
Adele Amour
- 3f Sebring (AUS) x Divine Rebel (NZ) (Don Eduardo (NZ))
Tnr: J D Sadler Rdr: Matthew Cartwright 58
3
5.3
El Patroness
- 3f Shamus Award (AUS) x Sure You Can (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: John Allen 59
Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale $260,000
Seller: Widden Stud, Widden Valley
Buyer: O'Brien Thoroughbreds (Aust) Pty Ltd
4
10.0
Madame Solario
- 3f Needs Further (AUS) x Pas De Retraite (AUS) (Charge Forward (AUS))
Tnr: N A Blackiston Rdr: Alana Kelly 56.5
5
13.2
Toropeak
- 3f Toronado (IRE) x Top Peak (AUS) (Artie Schiller (USA))
Tnr: S C Bottomley Rdr: Lewis German 54.5
6
15.5
Rarzino
- 3f Tarzino (NZ) x Rare Virtue (USA) (Empire Maker (USA))
Tnr: J Warren & D Krongold Rdr: Jye McNeil 54.5
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