It’s hard to believe.
But the most in-form reinsman in Brisbane over the past week has a relatively small book this Saturday night at Albion Park, the main meeting of the week.
Enter Hayden Barnes.
Throughout the past six meeting staged in south-east Queensland, Barnes has been very active and striking while the iron is hot.
From his past 31 drives, the 22-year-old has landed 9 winners and 5 minor placings.
And 6 of those winners have come for different stables (Ross Jackson, Ricky Hart, Josh Moore, Al Barnes, Chantal Turpin & Clint Petroff)
Only Turpin and Moore provided multiple winners.
Many of the winners coming at big prices including Private Jujon at odds of $49.30 (UBET).
Barnes, son of trainer Al, is the long-time foreman for Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen at their Patrick Estate base.
“It’s a nice week in the bike; the results have been very pleasing so hopefully the good form continues over the coming months.” Barnes said.
A double yesterday (Thursday) at Albion Park aboard Private Jujon and Its All Torque backs up his treble from last Friday at Albion Park when he scored with Stoned Again, Raring To Go and My Ajaye.
Barnes also scored last Saturday night with Bettabe Perfect.
His form this current season is vastly superior in comparison to the previous season and the numbers back it up.
Last season (2016/17), Barnes landed 36 winners.
That figure will be easily eclipsed this season with Barnes already landing 35 winners to date.
On Saturday night, Barnes has a ‘light’ book of drives with only three drives.
He will take the drives behind last week’s winner Bettabe Perfect plus Lots More Grins and Overlap.
“On paper they probably look up against it and the draws make it a little tricky but hopefully we can find the right positions and go from there.
“I’d nominate Bettabe Perfect as my best chance but it looks much harder this week and we’re very unlikely to gain the perfect trip which we got last week, he’s going very well and consistent at this level.”
Barnes has driven 220 lifetime winners.
And he has international experience after driving at Flamboro Downs in Canada back in 2015.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | March 22