Patience is a virtue in racing as Pakenham trainer Bill Papazaharoudakis can vouch.
Papazaharoudakis had his impressive debut winner Barbarino ready to race late last year but decided to hold off and give the gelding a little more time before opting for the Sportsbet Blackbook Plate (1200m) at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.
It paid an immediate dividend as Barbarino raced to an impressive win despite being a little wayward at times in the run.
Sent out the $2.70 equal favourite under Jamie Mott, Barbarino registered a 1-¾ length win from Ninetyfiveinafifty ($14) with Melbourne Magic ($3.50) a head away third.
“He was probably ready last prep, but we just don’t rush them,” Papazaharoudakis said.
“We don’t have many, so we try to look after them, but he’s shown a bit.
“We had been looking for something for him at Pakenham, but we were happy to come here as the race was here.
“He can gallop, but you never know till you get here.”
Papazaharoudakis admitted to concerns pre-race how Barbarino would handle his first day at the race.
The trainer said Barbarino passed his first test in the mounting yard before the race and the gelding’s behaviour pre-race was exemplary.
“It was a bit of a worry, but he presented well,” Papazaharoudakis said.
“We had never let him off a bit before, so I’ll have to see what Motty says about him, but I put those winkers on, and he was overdoing it a little bit early.
“I was a bit worried, but it was a good win, great ride.”
Papazaharoudakis said Barbarino was purchased for ‘not a lot of money’ as a weanling and returned his owners, including Papazaharoudakis’ wife Helen, a little over $30,000 on Wednesday.
Invariably after a city debut win, agents come calling, but Papazaharoudakis said he had already knocked back several offers.
“We’ve had a few already, but I don’t think he’s going anywhere,” Papazaharoudakis said.
“My wife loves him and she’s in the ownership.”
