Al lands himself a rare winner and gives Brian Christopher’s owners a real thrill
By Barry Lichter • 30 June 2021
Trainer Al Barnes couldn’t have chosen a better horse to give him his first driving him in nearly two years than Brian Christopher.
But when the 48-year-old saluted at Redcliffe tonight after a dominant all-the-way win, it was Brian Christopher’s owners, more than himself, that he was most pleased for.
For while Barnes hadn’t driven a winner since Vasari scored in his August, 2019 swansong before being sold to the United States, he also knew how much the success would mean for Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street.
“I’m rapt for John and Lynne as I know he’s a family horse. We’re not chasing big fish - tonight’s win was worth only A$3327 - but it will pay the bills and it will be a thrill for them and that’s what it’s all about.”
John Street’s sister Bev Glass and his brother Kevin and wife Glenis share in the ownership of Brian Christopher who is named in memory of Glass’ son who lost his battle with spina bifida in 2010 at the age of 45.
Brian Christopher with former stable foreman Phil Sattler. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Street chose what he hoped would be his best yearling that year, a $140,000 Bettor’s Delight brother of 13-race winner Lancewood Lizzie who was bred by Steve and Steffie Cornwall and Tony and Lee-Anne Grayling.
But while the horse turned out to lack the speed of his sister, Barnes says he makes up for it as best he can with his determinedness.
“He doesn’t have change-up speed but he keeps trying. He just keeps going at the same speed, he doesn’t go any faster.
“We’re lucky we’ve got a track like Redcliffe where high 28 quarters can win races.”
Brian Christopher didn’t even have to find any of those tonight as Barnes stole the first two sectionals in 32.3 and 31.5 before rolling home in 28.8 and 29 to score by 3.8 metres in a mile rate of 2:00.8.
“The track was a bit ordinary tonight, very wet and sloppy, so it suited a front runner like him.
“He should win a few more here on that effort. I never moved up the straight because he had them covered.
“He was hanging a bit on the turns which was costing him half a length to a length but at least he didn’t flog his knee like last time.
Al Barnes … go-straights and a change of shoeing did the trick tonight.“I added go-straights and changed his shoeing and he didn’t get in on his knee at all tonight. He only just brushed his near side and that was when he was lugging on the turn.”
Barnes believes Brian Christopher’s gate speed, and ability to find the front, will be an asset for him in Queensland.
“But I also think he’ll be just as good parked outside the leader and be just as brave as he feels like he’ll chase well.”
But Barnes was determined to stay in front of Sweet Lombo tonight, knowing from his observations that the favourite lacked a good last 150 metres.
And that he did, finding plenty when the other horse tried to range alongside before the home turn.
“That was good fun,” said Barnes of his overdue winner who paid $3 on the tote.
“I love winning but I don’t normally drive the ones that have a chance. And I’ve had only 20 odd drives since my last win on the old boy (Vasari).”
One of the first to congratulate Barnes was his son Hayden who piloted $61 outsider Vermont who ran last.
“I’m still learning but I might have to lose a bit more weight so I can be really competitive.”
More news in Harness
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
