A chiropractor resulted in the return to winning form by Sir Julian at Globe Derby Park on Saturday night. A $3.90 chance, Sir Julian, driven by Matthew Smith, led throughout from gate two to score a neck win in the Multicultural Night of Harness Racing April 16 Pace (1800m).
The gelding beat a game Longtan Tigerman ($13.90) with Wheres Jonny ($5 into $3.70 fav) four metres away third.
A week earlier Sir Julian finished 10th behind Goodsie after locking wheels with Glenferrie Bunter going into the back straight on the final lap.
Trainer Justin Brewin said the incident had obviously caused discomfort to his pacer.
“I had Sir Julian checked before he ran last week and he was spot on,” Brewin said, “but when the chiro came back this week he found eight vertebrae were out of alignment.
“When the pair came together the incident must have caused Sir Julian to twist awkwardly hurting him.”
Driver Matthew Smith agreed.
“After the wheels unlocked and I asked him to sprint, he just didn’t,” Smith said, “it was completely out of character.
“Tonight, it was the normal Sir Julian, he came out of the gate quickly and really travelled well throughout.
“I wasn’t concerned that the runner up made a race of it. Sir Julian isn’t the type of horse to win by big margins, he always just does enough.”
Smith also convinced connections that Sir Julian would lead when many pundits suggested Wheres Jonny would have the pace to lead from barrier one.
“I watched a few of his (Wheres Jonny) videos and I was sure my horse had the speed to lead and he got across quite easily.”
Sir Julian by Four starzzz shark out of Amber spree has been an astute purchase by the Brewins.
The five-year-old has had nine wins and a second from his past 11 starts for owners Justin and Yvette Brewin and Douglas and Lucy Brewin.
Sir Julian is now set to run in a semi-final of the Country Graduation at Globe Derby Park on Friday night.
Graham Fischer