The $500,000 Hunter Cup is on Barimah’s radar should the five-year-old maintain his form throughout summer.
Trainer Tony Peacock nominated the Group 1 stayers’ race as the target following the gelding’s win in Saturday night’s Gordon Rothacker Memorial Championship Final (Group 3) at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Barimah ($1.50) sat in the breeze after John Justice held the front aboard Loong Nien in the 1720-metre $30,350 race, reinsman Damian Wilson controlling the tempo by pouring pressure on the leader from the 800m.
Barimah fended off Beach Shack in the straight, Josh Aiken giving the second horse every hope in the one-one, while Lots More Art finished strongly for third from three-pegs. Loong Nien battled on valiantly for fourth beaten 3.4m.
The winner rated 1:53.4, with the last 800m trekked in 55.7secs.
“He’s going to finish up a pretty good horse,” Peacock said.
“He’s very versatile. He can lead or he can sit parked, but he’s probably best following the speed.
“Damian drove the perfect race on Saturday night. The plan was to just let him poke out, sit parked and then put the pressure on a long way out. He’s quite a strong horse.”
Barimah will likely target the Yarra Valley and Cobram Cups in coming weeks.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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