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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Spirit Of God
5.48pm
“She’s got a bit of lick but I’ll leave it up to the driver (Matthew White) to decide whether to leave the gate. Barry Purdon’s horse Dino looks the one to beat.”
Race 5: Lincoln Maree
7.12pm
“Her race last time was a non-event, the silliest race I’ve seen for a long time, with a middle half in 66.6. It shouldn’t be legal. In the US they’d fine you for going that slow. She tries hard but looks up against it here.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.12pm
“She was out for a long time but has had three runs back now and should be close to being ready to rock. The wide draw makes it tough in a big field.”
Race 7: Prince Lincoln
8.20pm
“It’s always difficult for any horse off a draw like this, let alone one like him, as we know he doesn’t race as well from off the pace. We just have to hope his big demolition job woke him up a lot. His form eclipses anything else in the race but whether or not he’ll bring his best is anyone’s guess.”
