Al’s B team back after a break so Redcliffe runs on Thursday sure to improve them

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.