2016 Brian Johnstone Final Review
2016 BRIAN JOHNSTONE FINAL – REVIEW
Meningie Trainer Cameron Butcher made it back to back Group 3 Brian Johnstone final wins at Angle Park last night when his star up and coming chaser On Fire dominated the SA Bred feature with a powerful win.
The Butcher kennel has been in rare form and last night was no exception with Cameron not only producing the winner of the Brian Johnstone but also the trifecta with Buzz Box and Purpose Driven filling the placings. All three are from the same Bekim Bale x Alana Blues litter which were also bred by Cameron. This was the second occasion that Cameron has trained the trifecta in a race with the other occasion being a Grade 6 event however to do this in one of the biggest SA Bred races in the state is a terrific achievement.
As the start was affected On Fire who was one of the favourites bounded out of the boxes and charged to the front at the winning post on the first occasion. Buzz Box began well to move to second while Bekalia’s Flyer for Martin Doyle and race favourite Long Gully Gilly for Ken Gill pushed through on the inside. Leaving the front straight there was a jam up of runners resulting in interference allowing On Fire to skip clear with Buzz Box and Phantom Sun for Bosco Stamenkovic in hot pursuit. Purpose Driven after a slow beginning avoided trouble and moved to fourth down the back straight. On Fire was low flying in the lead and in no danger leaving the back straight in a slick 16.88. He raced away from his rivals stopping the clock in a brilliant 29.52 for the 515m journey. On Fire won by an ever increasing 9¾ lengths with Buzz Box hanging on well for second while Purpose Driven ran home well to grab third 2 lengths away just ahead of Phantom Sun.
On Fire has now won 9 races from his 14 starts including 3 minor placings and prizemoney just under $35,000.