Is the Justin Brewin juggernaut about to fire? Harness racing trainer Justin Brewin has been quiet in recent weeks but came away with a winning double at the weekend at Globe Derby Park suggesting his team is about to come good.
On Friday, Ark, heavily backed to start $2.30 favourite, led throughout to win the BGC Industrial Cleaning Supplies Pace (1800m) to score by 4-1/2 metres from Its Me Telowie ($3.80) with Aveross Mac ($7.20), a short half head away third.
On Saturday, it was Duke Of Albany ($9.40) which scored a short half head win over the fast finishing stablemate Sir Julian ($16.10) to give Brewin the quinella in the SAHRC Pink Ribbon Claiming Pace (1800m). Prince of Zanzibar ($17.30) was a half-head away third in an exciting finish.
Top SA freelance reinsman Wayne Hill was the winning driver in each victory.
Regular driver Jayden Brewin was in Queensland as part of his Harness Racing South Australia scholarship but, unfortunately, he received a suspension during that week and Brewin will need substitute reinsman for the next week or so for his runners.
Brewin smiled when quizzed if his team was about to become very competitive.
“A few of my horses have had easy times recently but they are getting fitter and hopefully will step up,” Brewin said.
“Ark is a good example. He has been going well but getting fitter and now is spot on.
“Wayne fired him away quickly tonight and once in front was able to dictate perfectly.”
Ark sprinted home strongly with a 57.9 second last 800 metres and was never challenged rating 1:57.1.
On Saturday, Duke of Albany was driven superbly by Hill taking a one-one trail early behind a strong speed set by Prince of Zanzibar and the red hot $1.40 favourite Ona Rocky Beach which was forced to sit parked.
Hill brought Duke Of Albany wide turning for home and grabbed a crucial break.
On tired legs over the last 50 metres, the six-year-old had just enough to hold off his stablemate Sir Julian which could be considered a shade unlucky.
Sir Julian, driven by Matthew Smith, was involved in an early scrimmage which saw him about 20 metres behind the main body of the field early.
The gelding wound up strongly down the home straight but just failed to arrive.
“Both horses went super,” Brewin said.
“I’ve had a bit of trouble with his (Duke of Albany) feet but am getting on top of the issues.
“Wayne drove him beautifully and the race worked out really well with the leaders setting up s fast tempo.
“I was delighted with Sir Julian.
“He’s one which is getting fitter with racing and tonight’s run suggests he is back to his best.”
Graham Fischer