Black Heart Bart set up a potential clash with Winx at his next start following a dominant performance in Saturday’s Group I Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.
Black Heart Bart proved too good in the Underwood Stakes. Photo: Darryl Sherer
Parked in third place by Brad Rawiller behind a steady tempo set by The Cleaner, Black Heart Bart ($2.20) came with his challenge in the home straight to reach the lead 200m out and go clear to defeat He Or She ($12) by 2 1/2-lengths with Lucia Valentina ($5.50) making good ground late for third, a half head away.
Trainer Darren Weir said the Caulfield Stakes in two weeks time and a potential clash with Winx is next for Black Heart Bart.
“He got a beautiful run – he makes his own luck and puts himself there,” Weir said.
“It was good to see him run through the line like that – I didn’t have any doubts about the 1800 (metres), he was just beaten by a better horse on the day at his last start.
“We’ll head to the Caulfield Stakes next and see what happens I guess.
“I was pleased with the way he ran through the line and put them away. No disrespect to the opposition but it’s going to get stronger into a Cox Plate.”
Rawiller said he cannot wait to tackle Winx with Black Heart Bart.
“We’ve always had confidence in him getting the distance and the way he went through the line showed us he can get further again.” Rawiller said.
“I think he’ll be fine at the 2000 (metres). Winx – she’s a star so it’s a case of bring it on, I can’t wait.”
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