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
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Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Shunt and tangled tail hamper our Johnny - why he can win Friday’s Lincoln Farms Pace
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
