The now-retired Castelvecchio has been Richard Litt’s undisputed stable star but the trainer has also enjoyed success with Godolphin cast-offs.
Litt will have two former Sheikh Mohammed-owned horses in action at Randwick on Saturday, both in the Spring Preview Handicap (1400m).
Interlocuter returns from a lengthy layoff having not raced since the 2018 Villiers Stakes while first emergency Morton’s Fork has secured a start following the scratching of Noble Boy.
Litt won a race at Warwick Farm on Wednesday with former Godolphin galloper Wander and says the Royal Blue army’s tried horses are the backbone of his operation.
“I think about 30 per cent of my stable is made up of Godolphin horses. If I win a few more races Sheikh Mohammed might call me,” Litt said.
Interlocuter was bought by Litt on a whim.
He assumed the Group Two placegetter would be out of his price range but secured him for $4500.
Niggling issues and a couple of bouts of fetlock surgery have kept the horse from the races, as has the fact he is owned by the trainer.
“I own him myself so every time I needed a spare box he had to go out and have another break then come back,” Litt said.
“I have put a lot of money into him so I’m sure my wife would like to see him win a race. He owes us a little bit more than $4500 now.”
Interlocuter is likely to need the hitout at Randwick but Litt won’t be surprised to see Morton’s Fork be competitive.
The well-travelled gelding played an important role in Castelvecchio’s Cox Plate bid last spring and is a stable favourite.
“He was stablemate for Castelvecchio for the WFA Cox Plate and he was unlucky not to win a race at Moonee Valley the night before the Cox Plate,” Litt said.
“He is just a wonderful, tough horse.
“He is a cheeky old fellow and he could run a nice race, especially on soft ground over 1400 metres on Saturday. ”
Deeper into the spring, Litt hopes both Interlocuter and Morton’s Fork can pay their way.
“They’re two old warriors and if we can get them both right this season, we should have a lot of fun,” Litt said.
