Double up on Double Or Nothing on Friday night - he’ll enjoy a decent drop in grade
By Barry Lichter • 13 February 2020
Double Or Nothing might have drawn the outside of the gate at Albion Park on Friday but, dropping in grade, he is the one to beat.
You might have expected Double Or Nothing to have felt two hard runs in a week, when he was placed both times in 1:53.4 mile rate races, but trainer Al Barnes says the horse has been right on top of his game this week.
“The runs seem to have sharpened him up and he may just be too strong for them on Friday.
“It’s a nice little race for him. I”m not sure if he’ll lead - Hayden may have to park out - but we’re both confident he’d be OK breezing.”
Double Or Nothing is strong to the line, running third last Saturday night in a fast-run 1:53.4 mile rate.Barnes says if Double Or Nothing makes the front - and he may have earned enough respect now to get there - he can’t see anything being able to sit outside him on a 1:53 rate and beat him.
“He does have ability and tried really hard in both his races last week.”
Last Tuesday Double Or Nothing led and was swamped in the last couple of strides, going under by a neck. And last Saturday, after being four wide into the first bend, Hayden Barnes landed a one-one trip, challenged three wide turning in and finished on strongly to go down by just 3.3 metres.
Double Or Nothing’s recent times have been much faster than his rivals - last start winner Sir Jujon clocked only a mile rate of 1:55.1 and Whitehaven Lass’ recent win was only in 1:57.6.
At 65, he is rated five points better than the next in the field, Callmedemaro, who has won only three of his 42 career starts, and Soulwriter who has won only one of his last 29 starts - at Redcliffe.
Double Or Nothing races at 3.42pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
