Barcode will be winning better races than an Ararat maiden according to jockey Jack Hill.

The Kaphero gelding defeated odds-on favourite Tracy’s Image on Friday thanks to a clever ride by Hill but the winning jockey was quick to deflect praise after he weighed in.

“That was a better win than it looked,” Hill said.  “He had to work hard from the gate but then came back underneath me.  He found another kick in the straight and there’s more improvement to come.  Blinkers will help him, too.”

Barcode (4g Kaphero – Crimson Code by Redoute’s Choice) won the Shire Hall Hotel Maiden (1100m) by over a length from Tracy’s Image who was pocketed by the winner until Hill pinched a break in the straight.

The runner-up is an Encosta de Lago half-sister to Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy.

“It was a tricky draw but we thought Barcode would have enough speed to get across and take a forward spot,” trainer Robert Smerdon said.  “It looked a good race for him coming off a first up second at Moe earlier this month.”

Barcode is a homebred for Peter Carrick of Lakeview Resources and descends from the family of NZ Group 2 winners Sir Alberton and Alberton Star.

His dam Crimson Code has a 2yo Equiano colt that was purchased by Singapore trainer Cliff Brown for $55,000 at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.  The mare also has a yearling filly by Keep The Faith.

Kaphero stands for a $5,500 (inc gst) fee at Swettenham Stud.