Wide barriers have cost consistent sprinter Vatican at his past two starts and trainer Byron Cozamanis is looking to claim an overdue stakes win with the gelding at Caulfield.

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Vatican has been second at his past two starts but Cozamanis couldn’t be too disappointed with his most recent effort behind Esprit De Bullet at Moonee Valley.

The horse was gallant in defeat after being posted wide throughout under a big weight. Cozamanis did get to share in some of the winning celebrations with Esprit De Bullet trained by his son-in-law John Hyam.

But Cozamanis is hoping to get some of his own glory when Vatican takes aim at Saturday’s Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield, his home track.

“The barrier definitely cost him (last start),” Cozamanis said.

“He jumped a length in front of them but he couldn’t get across into a position and I didn’t want him to lead.

“He had 60 kilos and he’s not a very big horse, but he still fought on strongly to the line.

“It was my son-in-law’s horse that beat me.”

Vatican has been consistent throughout his career, winning seven of his 33 starts with another 13 placings, but is yet to crack it for a stakes win.

The sprinter gets the chance to correct that in Saturday’s 1000m sprint – a race Cozamanis has pinpointed for the son of God’s Own.

Should Vatican be successful, the trainer will consider setting the gelding an ambitious target of the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at the same track early next year.

“He pulled up well after his last run and he’s probably going better than he ever has,” Cozamanis said.

“I think he is just getting better all the time. I don’t know what will happen after this race, I haven’t had a look past this, but he might even have a break and then have a crack at the Oakleigh Plate or something.”

Nominations for the Doveton Stakes (1000m) will be released on Monday and Cozamanis is confident Vatican will be among the leading players.

“It wouldn’t matter what was in the field, he’ll be trying his heart out,” he said.

“He’ll be in the money somewhere.”