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Tiger a little timid today after hitch in the engine room - Queensland debut on hold

Sir Tiger’s Queensland debut has been delayed after he lashed out and injured himself yesterday.

But trainer Al Barnes won’t be able to tell for at least a few days how long it will take him to recover.

Barnes says a big haematoma developed high up inside the colt’s leg after he kicked out over the sulky shaft.

“I won’t be able to assess what damage he’s done until the swelling goes down and that could take a week.”

The swelling, right beside Sir Tiger’s testicles, blew up overnight and he is now being treated with bute to ease the pain.

“He’s very stiff and sore and doesn’t want to move so he’ll be on box rest until I can get him checked out.

“Hopefully it’s only minor and he can be at the races in a couple of weeks.”

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Wednesday at Auckland

Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm

“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”

Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm

“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”

Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm

“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”

Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm

“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”

Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm

“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”

Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm

“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”

Race Images - Harness