Sir Tiger meets a weak field at Albion Park on Friday night.
Here we go again - Sir Tiger all set to begin a winning streak in Queensland on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 11 September 2019
The 1113 form line credited to Sir Tiger at Albion Park on Friday night is woefully incorrect but new trainer Al Barnes is sure he will soon be sporting a string of wins like that.
How Sir Tiger’s recent record came to be embellished so much on the Australian harness site is anyone’s guess - it should read 14100 - but regardless, Barnes says he is confident his newest Lincoln Farms recruit will open his Queensland career with a bang.
“The horse looks fantastic, he’s full of dapples, and I’m sure he’ll string a few wins together like Trojan Banner did, but maybe not seven of them!
“We haven’t done a great deal with him since he arrived - a couple of fast works but he doesn’t need much as he’s already fit.”
Sir Tiger meets a very ordinary bunch of rating 48 to 52 pacers on Friday, drawn five in a 2138 metre event for $6540.
“He should lead or sit outside them and just be too good. He should win on his ear.”
Barnes knows the credentials of likely second favourite Bundjalung Beauty well as his son Hayden drove the mare to an all-the-way win last Thursday.
“But she rated only 1:56.3, which is the fastest she’s gone, and Sir Tiger should easily beat that.”
The other last start winner in the field, Guy Looks Good, went even slower, rating 1:58.3 over 1660 metres.
Barnes has taken over the training of Sir Tiger and Billy Lincoln after the recent sale of his three previous good performers for Lincoln Farms to America, Trojan Banner, Lincoln’s Girl and Vasari who won 15 races between them.
Northview Hustler, in his box at Marburg, has missed work with a foot infection.Hustler will need the run
His remaining runner, Northview Hustler, resumes on Saturday night after a foot infection forced his scratching 11 days ago.
The Hustler has drawn six in an eight-horse field over 1660 metres and Barnes says he’ll need the run after missing five or six day’s work.
“He’ll still be competitive and can run top three but we’ll just be patient and let him run on. Last time we did that he ran a close second.”
Barnes is expecting some fireworks from KerryAnn Morris’ pair Pembrooks Passion and Aztec Bromac, drawn the two inside spots.
“Pembrook’s Passion rated 1:52.9 in winning last Saturday. And Watch Pulp Fiction, in three, is going nicely.”
The best performed horse in the field, Mach Alert, who rated 1:53.3 in winning over 2138 metres last start, has drawn the outside of the front line.
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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.”
