Perfect drive sees Vasari destroy his Redcliffe rivals in near record time
By Barry Lichter • 24 July 2019
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.”
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
