Next two on the plane to Brisbane represent a real challenge for Al - but he’s up for it

If Queensland trainer Al Barnes could merge Franco Nandor and Brian Christopher into one horse, he’d have a real winner.

On the one hand there’s Franco Nandor, a pacer with ability who doesn’t put in, and on the other Brian Christopher, who isn’t blessed with much speed but tries his heart out.

That’s the challenge facing Barnes with the next two horses Lincoln Farms will dispatch to Brisbane on April 12.

The 14th and 15th Lincoln Farms horses to join Barnes’ Marburg stable, Franco Nandor and Brian Christopher share one trait - good gate speed - a key factor for Albion Park which Pukekohe trainer Ray Green hopes will see them compete better.

Actually they share another thing, $140,000 price tags, both with excellent breeding. Franco Nandor is by Mach Three out of Nicaea Franco, a daughter of 2007-08 four-year-old mare of the year Nearea Franco, winner of 11 races including a Harness Jewels at Cambridge in 1:54.4, while Brian Christopher is a Bettor’s Delight brother to former crack filly Lancewood Lizzie who won 13 races and more than $250,000.

Franco Nandor hasn’t hit nearly as many eagles as his part-owner Ryan Fox.But both have proved major disappointments, Green having to venture south to Palmerston North with them last December to find their winning level.

“There’s no future for them here. Franco Nandor has had plenty of opportunities to excel and hasn’t.

“He’s got the ability to do the job but I’m not too sure if the desire is there. He has more ability but he doesn’t seem to want anyone to know about it.

“I don’t know whether he doesn’t like our style of racing or if he doesn’t like racing full stop. I’m hoping something over in Brisbane might inspire him and sometimes a change of scenery can work.”

In 13 starts Franco Nandor has managed just two wins, not the result Lincoln Farms’ owner John Street was hoping for when he gifted 20% of the horse to New Zealand’s top international golfer Ryan Fox.

Green always said time would be the horse’s friend - his early racing was punctuated by nerves and then he fell right away after being gelded.

“He’s come back looking OK. I wouldn’t say he’s big and strong but he’s been jogging for a while now and would only be three to four weeks away from racing.”

Zachary Butcher brings Brian Christopher back after his win at Palmerston North last December. PHOTO: Royden Williams.Green suspects Brian Christopher might make a better fist of Queensland than Franco Nandor given he is genuine.

“I think he’ll do well. He lacks raw speed but he’s a trier.”

Brian Christopher was called Dior Sauvage when Street bought him at Karaka, later renaming him after his late nephew Brian Christopher Glass who died in 2010 after a 45 year struggle with spina bifida.

Street gifted Glass’ mum, his sister Bev, a share and also took in his brother Kevin and his wife Glenis into the ownership, hoping one of his most prized yearling buys that year would turn into a big winner.

While the horse’s sole win at Palmerston North gave the family a great thrill he managed only one placing in five subsequent starts.

Barnes says he’s looking forward to Lincoln Farms’ new challenge after the recent sale to the States of Larry Lincoln who won eight races for him in six months.

Barnes has racked up 43 wins with horses sent to him by Lincoln Farms since February, 2019, earning A$314,672 in stakes and much more in sales to the States.