Vasari scores one of his four wins for Al Barnes in Queensland
Old battle axe Vasari scores again at Saratoga, extending good trot for ex Lincoln Farms team
By Barry Lichter • 16 December 2019
Former Lincoln Farms pacer Vasari has won his second race in the United States, showing plenty of grit to get off the canvas at Saratoga in New York.
Vasari, who won 16 races from 86 starts in New Zealand and Australia for trainers Ray Green, Sonya Smith and Al Barnes before his sale in August, lined up a short-priced favourite in a US$11,700 mile on Saturday night.
And while burned for early speed by Warrawee Nonsuch, driver Jim Devaux quickly took up the running.
Attacked hard a long way from home by Blaise Mm Hanover, Vasari looked vulnerable at the top of the stretch but fought back gamely to score in a close photo finish.
The win took his American record to two wins and three placings from 10 starts for US$27,000 in stakes for owner Kevin Quinn and trainer Paul Zabielski.
And while he clocked only 1:55.8, Barnes says that was considered good time in the cold conditions on a sloppy track.
The Art Major six-year-old took a lifetime mark of 1:52 for Barnes at Albion Park in May.
Vasari joins other Lincoln Farms’ graduates to win recently in Trojan Banner and Lincoln’s Girl.
Trojan Banner, who scored on his US debut, ran again at Dover Downs and while only fifth in 1:52.2, trainer Jim King was pleased with the run which reportedly saw him run a half in 53 after starting from seven on the gate.
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Nathan’s comments
Thurday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
6.03pm
“He’s just come back from a two-week break and seems a lot better after the freshen-up. He’s training really well but this will be like a trial for him. There looks to be a lot of speed in the race so, from five, he won’t be put into the early rush. We’re still aiming him at the Harness 5000 at Ashburton in December.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
4.44pm
“He was held up last week but still got home really well, hard on their backs and, with the right trip, he’ll be dangerous. But the race looks suited to a horse like Hooray Henry who, in a small field, can sit back and outsprint them.
Race 9: Tyson
8.54pm
“We were looking to sit in with him last week but it didn’t work out. He still ran on pretty well as he always does. He just needs a bit of luck.”
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
8.54pm
“Maurice was happy with her run last week and said she paced strongly through the line. From seven on the gate this week she’ll have to go back but I think she’s better coming from off the pace. She’s a good chance if she can get sucked into it at the right time.”
