The highly-regarded Barbaric took up where he left off with another impressive winning performance at Te Rapa this afternoon.

The Pins four-year-old had been a runaway winner on debut in June before he was sent for a lengthy break.

“He actually went shinsore, which was surprising for a three-year-old going on four,” Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh said.

Barbaric had a quiet trial at Te Teko last month to fit him for his return and he came with a timely finish to win in style.

“He’s a quality horse and there’s a big race win in him,” Marsh said.

“We’re looking at taking him down south (to Riccarton) next and running him on the first and last days.”

Jason Waddell has ridden Barbaric in both his wins to date and was again glowing in his praise of the chestnut.

“He’s incredibly smart to come from a long lay-off and win with 58.5kg,” he said. “He’s going right through the grades.”

Bred and raced by Goodwood Stud, Barbaric is a grand-son of the Fell family’s former top-class Gr 1 Railway Handicap winner Ajasco.