Al Barnes tonight drove Brian Christopher to back-to-back wins at Redcliffe. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Brian Christopher cruises in at Redcliffe again - and there are more wins to come, says Al
By Barry Lichter • 7 July 2021
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.
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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
