Hormones settled, Sir Tiger’s back today but the cobwebs might need cleaning out
By Barry Lichter • 1 May 2020
All the signs are that Sir Tiger is ready to show more like his true worth when he resumes at Albion Park late this afternoon.
Trainer Al Barnes tipped Sir Tiger out in early February after he had managed only one placing in eight starts since being gelded last October.
“He just wasn’t right. He dropped a lot of weight and his hormone levels didn’t change - he was still very colty.
“He just needed a good let down to start life again and since he’s been back he’s been a lot quieter and easier to handle. He still bites and kicks and is a bit stubborn when he goes out onto the track but I can’t fault his work and he’s bright and is looking for his feed every morning and night.”
Best of all Sir Tiger “wanted to be there” when trialled at Albion Park last week, Barnes said.
Pitted against three others over 1660 metres, driver Hayden Barnes eased Sir Tiger back to last and didn’t pull out until 300 metres from home, coming widest on the turn and finishing on well to be only 8.7 metres from winner Tiz A Sizzler who clocked a mile rate of 1:58.5.
“He was keen in the trial and came out of it really well. I’d like to have trialled him again, but we can’t at the moment, so he’ll need the hit-out today.
“But two on the gate is a perfect draw for him. We don’t have to bustle him out, he can find a good position, maybe the one-one, and from there he could earn a cheque.
“I know he’s got ability. He proved that when he won first-up in 1:55.6.”
Sir Tiger races at 4.52pm NZ time at Albion Park today.
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With a little more room, look for Tyson to land another knockout blow at Auckland on Friday
Our runners this week
Friday night at Addington
Debbie Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Jessie Lincoln
6.39pm
“She was very good first-up - Harry said she was still coming at the line - and I’m sure she’ll go pretty well again. The way she trains over 2400 metres, you’d think the extra 500 metres will help.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.39pm
“I was quite happy with her last run at Cambridge, she’s improved a lot since Auckland. It’s a shame she’s got a bad draw this week but if she can hit the line well again, I’ll be happy.”
Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.34pm
“I think he’ll be a good chance because he continues to train very well. I’ll leave it up to Harry how he drives him this week but you’d think he’d lead again.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Tyson
6.52pm
“He had to do a bit much work last time - from a niggly draw he went round and sat parked. He’s drawn three on Friday, which is perfect, as he can just mooch up there. He keeps going good races in stronger fields and needs two more starts and some more points to qualify for the Golden Gait.”
Race 8: Kevin Kline
9.24pm
“He’s up against the better ones now, like Cold Chisel, but he keeps doing a good job. He’s a tough horse who keeps improving and he’s training really well. I thought he’d be a chance.”
