Barney’s too good

VETERAN pacer Im Barney Rubble proved there is still plenty of zip in his 11-year-old legs by scoring an impressive all-the-way win in a discretionary handicap over 2090m in Hobart yesterday.

Im Barney Rubble ($5.50) began safely from his 10m handicap and had control of the lead soon after the start.

Punters who took the prohibitive odds on the favourite The Aussie ($1.20), which began safely and settled fourth in the five-horse field, would have been crushed when the driver, Ricky Duggan, was forced to ease his charge out of the race after he broke gear before travelling a lap.

Poker Storm, which also was specked at odds ($26 into $18) began safely but broke gait soon after the start and tailed out last of the five. But he stayed in the race to finish fourth to keep alive the first four which paid $103.60 and less than the trifecta ($120.60).

This left Im Barney Rubble (Mark Yole) in front and using very little energy until saved for a dash up the home straight.

The Ben Yole-trained gelding had no trouble holding Fortino and Rocknroll-highlight at bay to register his 29th career win from 159 starts.

Im Barney Rubble has been a model of consistency since June.

And while this was only his second win in that time, he has notched seven minor placings from 11 outings to well and truly pay his way.

His career earnings have crept to just over $236,000 which isn’t a bad return on investment.