Barbed in Great Condition Ahead of 2014 Ortensia Stakes

Trainer John O’Shea is confident talented gelding Barbed is in peak condition ahead of this weekend’s Group 3 Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone, having only taken over the three-year-old’s care two weeks ago.

Barbed (inside) is outright second favourite for success in the 2014 Ortensia Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart

Taking up the vacant Darley training position following the departure of Peter Snowden, O’Shea told TVN he is optimistic the track and races conditions of the Ortensia at Scone this weekend pose a perfect prospect of success for Barbed on Saturday.

“I’m trying to find something to make him click” O’Shea said.

“He has a lot of talent this horse but it looks to me like he needs to be curled up for one run and this race looks ideal for him.

“This is a race of a lot of speed and I think it will suit him ideally; let him run home late off a hot pace.”

Claiming two wins and three places from just nine competitive starts to date, Barbed was a notable performer over the spring of 2013; winning the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) first-up and finishing a close second to Zoustar in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) on October 5^th most notably.

Steadily building to the task at hand over four starts this season, the Canny Lad gelding overcame a disappointing run for seventh in the Ibis Milano Dinner Special (1100m) first-up with a strong performance amongst classy competition to finish second to Earnest Ernest in the APN Outdoor 3.y.o. (1200m) on March 22^nd.

Unlucky when blocked for a run in the Listed Gosford Guineas (1200m) on April 5^th, Barbed returned to fighting form when charging from the rear of the pack to finish third in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) last time out.

Confirmed to be partnered by talented jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Barbed is currently sole occupant of the second line of betting for success in the 2014 Ortensia Stakes at generous $6 odds.

Returning to racing in great form this season, Ichihara is currently featured as outright favourite to win the 2014 Ortensia Stakes at a quote of $4.80.

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