Master Bartholdi made it two wins from two starts for the Liam Howley stable with an impressive all the way win at Pakenham on Thursday evening.
The four-year-old showed plenty of ability as a young horse, and transferring to the Kyneton trainer’s care has paid off for connections.
After not racing for nearly 12 months, Master Bartholdi won a maiden at Echuca first-up for Howley late last year, and the trainer was confident he would handle the step up to class one over 1400 metres at Pakenham.
Let’s Sea was a very short priced odds-on favourite, but was well held by Master Bartholdi which started at $8 and was ridden confidently by Jason Maskiell.
The winning margin was one and a half lengths, and Howley said he will wait and see how he pulls up.
“We’ve no plans and we’ll let him enjoy the farm.”
Howley expressed appreciation to owners Todd and Xavier Martin and Sam Matthews for their patience with Master Bartholdi, stating there are a lot of good horses coming through at the training complex at Pipers Creek.
“The more racing he has the better he will get,” Maskiell predicted.
The trainer said there are a lot of good horses coning through.
Looking longer term, Howley was able to acquire four very well bred unraced gallopers at the Magic Millions sale in January.
“We think each were purchased for outstanding value in their own ways and can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Howley said.
