Perfect drive sees Vasari destroy his Redcliffe rivals in near record time

Trainer Al Barnes’ confidence in Vasari proved well placed when he went within three tenths of a second of the track record when winning at Redcliffe tonight.

Vasari, who started at even money on the New Zealand tote and $2.60 in Australia, ran away to a 12.6 metre win and clocked a mile rate of 1:55.2 for the 1780 metres, just outside the 2016 record held by 22-race winner Tightrope.

And the way he jogged to the line suggested he had plenty left, Barnes saying “he could have gone another half lap at the same speed.”

And that, says the in-form Marburg trainer, is the key to the horse who is tougher than he is fast.

“It was the right sort of race for him, where he could get up outside the leader. He’s a bit one-paced and loves to roll and do his own thing.

Vasari has a commanding lead of 12.6 metres over Son Of Mara and Invite Only at Redcliffe tonight.“He doesn’t like being held up and asked to sprint. He doesn’t have blistering speed, he can’t pull out and run you a 26 quarter like Northview Hustler. But he can run even sectionals and he’ll wind up and keep coming.”

Barnes’ son Hayden drove the horse perfectly to his strengths tonight, letting him find his feet early and slot into the one-one.

But he made the race winning move when he took off round them soon afterwards to find the death seat at the bell, from where he was able to dictate the tempo.

And with quarters of 28.9, 29.5, 28.7 and 29, it suited Vasari to a tee as he headed the leader Stevie Dee at the 400 and shot clear turning in, easily holding his big lead to the line.

“Hayden was very happy and said he felt strong, like he wanted to do it.

“He’s been bright and feeling good all week and that’s because we’ve been driving him conservatively in his last two or three races, and he’s been running on with not much luck and still had some petrol in the tank.

“At Albion Park, where they run 1:51 or 1:52, you need things to go your way. But here at Redcliffe, where they’re running only 1:55 he can sit out and show his authority.

“He’s better than a Redcliffe horse. But we should be able to find another race here in a similar grade for him.

“Running 1:55.2 is a good time round here. He won well tonight.”