Brian Christopher (Al Barnes) in one of his four wins at Redcliffe. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al’s B team back after a break so Redcliffe runs on Thursday sure to improve them
By Barry Lichter • 29 September 2021
Resuming from a break, only 85% fit, and starting from the second row, it would pay not to expect too much from Brian Christopher and Franco Nandor at Redcliffe on Thursday, says trainer Al Barnes.
Lincoln Farms’ B team has enjoyed a month off at Marburg after a busy last campaign and, while both would have benefitted from a trial, Barnes elected to go round for stake money instead.
“They’ll both improve with the runs but they’re forward enough to be competitive. Brian is the more forward - he’s an each way chance in the ninth race - but both could earn a minor cheque.”
Barnes says the pair did a good job in their first campaigns in Queensland, Brian Christopher notching four wins and three placings from 10 starts at Redcliffe and the more unpredictable Franco Nandor a couple of wins and four placings from 13 starts.
“But they needed a break, they were both tapering off in condition which was reflected in their results.
“I gave them a week off and they’ve been back for a few weeks jogging. It just gave them time to muscle up again and, who knows, they may come back and improve.”
Barnes says he’s happy that both horses have drawn the inside of the second row from where they can enjoy nice soft first-up runs without having to do any work.
“I’m not sure what Franco Nandor (race eight) can do fresh-up but he’ll need the run more than the other bloke.
“They’re up in class a bit now so I’ll have to place them where they can be competitive.”
Franco Nandor races at 8.17pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Thursday night.
Brian Christopher races at 8.52pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Thursday night.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
6.59pm
“He was tough again in winning last week. He’s trained on well, is in good shape, and should be right in it.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.59pm
“He’s finally getting his act together - he’s gone three good races in a row - and seemingly turned the corner. We’ve had a lot of (vet) work done on him, his feet in particular, and it’s paid off. There’s not much between him and Tyson.”
Race 5: Rivergirl Bella
7.23pm
“She’ll need everything to go her way from the draw. But she’s got a bit of speed. She’s getting there. She wasn’t very strong before and wasn’t tracking too well, but she’s driving right now.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
7.23pm
“She’s had a few issues, mostly mental ones, and is still a bit of a handful. It wasn’t very pretty last week but we’re slowly getting her under control. The outside draw might actually help her.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.23pm
“She needs only a half decent trip to feature. She got held up a little bit in the straight at a crucial time last week and that was that.”
Race 6: Prince Lincoln
7.49pm
“He’s drawn the best of ours in three. He got cheated for a run last week. It’s hard to know where he’d have finished without that.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.49pm
“Ferg reckoned if he’d been able to hold up in the trail last week he would have won. He was very bullish about how he’d gone. The draw’s no help but he can do a bit of work. He’s an honest little guy who saves his best for when the money’s up on racenight.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
7.49pm
“He got a bit keen last week but he should be a lot better this time. He’s still learning and he’s a slow learner. When he does things correctly he’s a pretty nice horse. Hopefully he can get a suck into it from the second row draw.”
