Bart breakthrough in Victoria

Blackfriars gelding Black Heart Bart has franked his G1 Newmarket Hcp form with a convincing victory in the G3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield.

Having his second start for trainer Darren Weir on Easter Saturday, the former Perth star shouldered top-weight of 58.5kg to a narrow win over front-runner Charmed Harmony. “He ran great in the Newmarket but there’s a bit of pressure when these good horses turn up – you don’t want them losing a wheel,” Weir said. “Now we have to decide whether to push him out in distance or keep freshening up.”

Black Heart Bart was nailed in the last few strides by The Quarterback in the Newmarket and was a class above Group 3 company. “He got a lovely run but looked to be in trouble on the corner,” Weir added. “Once Brad (Rawiller) balanced up, he really powered to the line.

“He ran a really good fourth in the Goodwood last year and the owners are keen to head that way again. Queensland is also an option for the Stradbroke.”

The Caulfield victory improved Black Heart Bart’s record to 11 wins in 28 starts for a Geraldton syndicate that includes Kim Renner, Craig Delacy, Dave Richardson, Arthur Psaltis and Ian McCarthy. He cost $20,000 at the 2012 Perth Magic Millions and his earnings now stand at more than $1.25 million.

Scenic Lodge champion Blackfriars got him from a half-sister to NZ & Australia Group 1 winner Savannah Success – the dam of Group 1 racehorse and sire Savabeel.

Blackfriars has sired the winner of 96 races in Australia this season and he can bring up a century over the Easter long weekend with multiple entries at Albany (Sunday) and York (Monday).