Brian Christopher cruises in at Redcliffe again - and there are more wins to come, says Al

Brian Christopher is no star but he’ll win a few more races, judging by the ease of his victory at Redcliffe tonight, says trainer-driver Al Barnes.

And that’s just fine with Lincoln Farms’ owner John Street who says his partners in the horse, sister Bev and brother Kevin, are getting a big thrill from watching the horse go so well.

“We know he’s a bit one-paced and he’s racing only mediocre horses but Al didn’t touch him tonight - he ran to the line pretty strongly.

“He’s on the market but if he can win a few more for us that would be great.”

Barnes, who controlled the pace tonight with perfect sectionals of 31.8, 31.3, 28.7 and 28.6, says he knew he had his main rival on his back, He’s Sweet, covered turning for home.

The three-year-old got home by 1.3 metres in a 1:59.9 mile rate for the 1780 metres, returning a nice $2.70 win price and $3.10 quinella dividend with the horse Barnes predicted to be his main danger.

“He did it easily, he was cruising up the straight. He’s fitter now and did it a lot better tonight - he was keener in the warm-up and in the running. He even quickened up a little bit with the hood on.

“But he’s still not steering great so there’s some improvement there if I can find out why. I’ve been treating his stifles and he’s not hitting his knees any more with the go-straights on.”

Barnes says he’ll keep bringing Brian Christopher back to Redcliffe until he’s outclassed.

“I’ll try to place him where he can draw the front so I’ll nominate him here again next week. He’ll only get three points tonight so he’s still lowly assessed.

Named Dior Sauvage at the yearling sales, Brian Christopher had everything yearling buyers look for.“But he’ll get a back row draw soon enough and we’ll see how he goes. He actually feels like he’s going to chase better. It will be interesting to see what he does from behind at Albion Park, sitting on a helmet going 28.

“But undoubtedly his biggest asset is his determination, he tries so hard. I think he’ll win a few more.”

Street knows that the Bettor’s Delight - Kamwood Elsie gelding will struggle to win 13 races like his sister Lancewood Lizzie, whose former trainer Barry Purdon engaged in a fierce bidding duel for the good looker at the Karaka yearling sale, pushing Street to pay $140,000.

“We paid too much for him given he’s from a mediocre family but at least he’s paying his way at the moment.”

Brian Christopher has notched a second and two wins from three starts in Queensland and his career record now stands at three wins and three placings from 11 starts for $15,008.

His American Ideal half brother Ideal Funding was narrowly beaten at Auckland last Friday night in just his second start as a two-year-old for Bunty and Gareth Hughes.