Sir Tiger, obscured on the inner, features in a four-way photo for the minor money in his Rising Stars heat last week.
Tiger will use stealth to try to scavenge some minor money in the Rising Stars Final
By Barry Lichter • 23 January 2020
Trainer Al Barnes believes the bookies have Sir Tiger at the right odds of $26 to win Saturday night’s Rising Stars Final at Albion Park - but he’s still hoping the horse can get enough luck to “steal” some of the minor money.
Sir Tiger was beaten 10 metres by race favourite Tiz A Sizzler in last week’s heat but he featured in a four-way photo finish for second.
And Barnes says from two on the second row, Sir Tiger could just get the marker line run he needs to be running into the minor money in the A$16,240 final.
“That’s a good draw for him and should put him in a good spot on the fence. They’ll be running along in front so you can’t make ground when you’re out wide. He’ll probably end up four fence and from there he can hopefully get some of the money.”
Al Barnes … Sir Tiger can follow speed well.Barnes says while the digits look poor in Sir Tiger’s form line, he’s actually paced some improved races recently.
“He didn’t take any harm from being caught three wide two starts back and last time he ran on well.
“He’s a horse who will always need luck but at least he’s wanting to do it now. Before (he was gelded) he was having a bit of a cheat but now he’s looking to hit the line.
“He follows speed well, which is good for winning regular money, but it’s always hard to win when the favourites are running hard sectionals in front.”
Tiz A Sizzler, who clocked a 1:54.9 mile rate last week, and second favourite Jiggle And Jive who went even faster at 1:54 in taking her heat, would probably fight out the finish.
“That $26 price for Sir Tiger is about right. He’ll be a long way back, they’ll be running, and he’ll need luck. It will be hard to run top three but he’s got the ability to do it - he just needs some luck.”
Sir Tiger races at 10.42pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Pole goes on The Night Fox - now he just needs a little luck from a niggly draw on Friday night
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
