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 1: Lincoln Wave
4.58pm
“We backed off him after he was gelded but he’s in good shape and I think he’ll go quite well. He may need a race but he’s still classy enough to get the job done if he gets the right trip from four.”
Race 3: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.54pm
“He’s dropping down in grade again and, subject to no dramas from his awkward inside draw, you have to consider him a serious chance. I’m very happy to have Carter on board, he’s an experienced driver now, and it’s a winnable race for him.”
Race 5: Timmy Lincoln
6.48pm
“He’s a beautiful, big American Ideal colt who showed quite a lot early on. It’s his first time off the place and first time at Alex Park, so it will all be new to him but he feels like he’s got a little bit of speed and hopefully he’ll do things right.”
Race 9: Copy Ten Four
8.54pm
“He’s a strong horse and his training has been much improved since his last race which seems to have woken him up. Right-handed is still an issue for him though - he doesn’t get the corners as well - but other than that, he’s a serious chance.”
