Vasari, wide out, gets up on the line to nail the favourite Tennyson Bromac at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Old Vasari scores again and you can mark that one down to a patient drive from Hayden
By Barry Lichter • 11 August 2019
A patient drive by Hayden Barnes saw Lincoln Farms’ Vasari register his third and best win in Queensland last night.
Starting from the back row in a strong field of higher rated horses at Albion Park, Vasari looked up against it, which was reflected in his $14 odds.
And when the favourite, the former All Stars’ pacer Tennyson Bromac turned for home in front, and Vasari was still with the tailenders and four wide, it looked curtains.
Vasari, extreme left, is four wide and still near the tail of the field as they head for home.But while Tennyson Bromac worked hard to find the death seat early, Barnes gave Vasari an easy trip three back on the outer. And when he asked the big horse to go, Vasari really put in, charging down the outer to nail Tennyson Bromac right on the wire.
“It was a good drive by Hayden,” said trainer Al Barnes. “He showed a bit of patience and he hit the line full of running.
“It didn’t surprise me, he’s been going good races and with a good trip in a small field he was really suited.
“He just loves to roll - he can’t give you a 26 but he can run 28 quarters all day.”
With closing sectionals of 28.6 and 28, and a mile rate of 1:55.8, the pace was made to order for Vasari who scored by half a head, even though commentator Chris Barsby said it was too close to call.
The win was the 15th of Vasari’s career, which started in New Zealand where he showed high speed, winning five of his 26 starts for trainer Ray Green.
The win, worth $4723, elevated Vasari’s rating to 80, which will make it even tougher for him in the future.
But Barnes says the horse, now six, seems to be living up to the potential he showed earlier in his career.
He is raced by Lincoln Farms’ John and Lynne Street along with Ian Middleton, Rod and Sue Fleming and Peter Jeffares.
The commentator couldn’t call it but Vasari has a clear margin on Tennyson Bromac.
More news in Harness
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Reformed filly Lincoln Linda strolls to easy win - and Ray says it won’t be her last
Over virus and with tighter hopples, Sammy only needs to bring his best behaviour to win
Street hoping King Of Swing colt has inherited some of dad’s speed as well as his good looks
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
