Queensland horseman Brendan Barnes is returning home.
But it’s a brief visit only.
The in-form reinsman landed another Gr.3 victory last weekend with his winning drive behind Freyberg in the Les Chant Cup at TABCORP Park, Menangle in a time of 1:51.0 defeating Stormont Czar and Blazin N Cullen.
Freyberg is prepared by Kevin Pizzuto, for whom Barnes works for in Sydney.
“I’m coming home for a friend’s wedding this weekend but I’ve taken an extended break and will be based in Brisbane for about two weeks all-up but I’m hopeful of taking a few drives during that time.” Barnes said.
The 19yo continues to improve and the winners are arriving at a rapid rate which follows his solid season which netted him 82 victories for the 2015/16 season.
He has already landed 6 winners for the current season.
The natural lightweight landed a Gr.3 triumph earlier this month with a polished display behind the Pizzuto trained Match Point in the Club Menangle Final.
“That was a massive thrill winning that feature with him because he’s such a cool horse and he’s been a massive part of my success in Sydney. It’s my biggest moment in the sport to date and I’m pumped it came via this horse.
“I’ve won six races with this horse and they’ve all come at Menangle so he’s played a big role in helping me get established down here. He continues to race in good form so hopefully he’ll keep racking up the victories in the coming months along with Freyberg.
“Another horse that continues to do a very good job for Kevin is Blow A Cloud, he’s a former New Zealand pacer that has wicked speed and I believe he’s best horse I’ve driven to date. I know Kevin has nominated both Freyberg and Blow A Cloud for the Inter Dominion series in Perth later this year so that underlines the faith we all have these horses.
“I’ve really enjoyed making the move south and the experience has been huge for my race driving, I’ve got no doubt that Menangle is the best track that I’ve driven but I’m looking forward to driving back at Albion Park and competing against some excellent drivers like Shane Graham and the like.”
Another bonus in his return home is the opportunity to renew his rivalry with his brother Hayden.
Both possess natural talent and continue to improve with every opportunity they’ve been presented to date.
“I’m really looking forward to catching up with Hayden and going against him on the track is an added bonus because we’re both competitive as each other. He’s a good driver and we’re always keeping an eye on each other’s results.
“I’m sure if we get the opportunity to race each other it will give us the extra purpose of trying to outdo one another. We both love to win, that’s always been the way we’ve looked at our race driving.”
*Hoofnote; Barnes has returned for the marriage of Bart Cockburn and Megan Armour on Sunday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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