Old battle axe Vasari scores again at Saratoga, extending good trot for ex Lincoln Farms team

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.