
Brian Christopher (Al Barnes) in one of his four wins at Redcliffe. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al’s B team back after a break so Redcliffe runs on Thursday sure to improve them
Resuming from a break, only 85% fit, and starting from the second row, it would pay not to expect too much from Brian Christopher and Franco Nandor at Redcliffe on Thursday, says trainer Al Barnes.
Lincoln Farms’ B team has enjoyed a month off at Marburg after a busy last campaign and, while both would have benefitted from a trial, Barnes elected to go round for stake money instead.
“They’ll both improve with the runs but they’re forward enough to be competitive. Brian is the more forward - he’s an each way chance in the ninth race - but both could earn a minor cheque.”
Barnes says the pair did a good job in their first campaigns in Queensland, Brian Christopher notching four wins and three placings from 10 starts at Redcliffe and the more unpredictable Franco Nandor a couple of wins and four placings from 13 starts.
“But they needed a break, they were both tapering off in condition which was reflected in their results.
“I gave them a week off and they’ve been back for a few weeks jogging. It just gave them time to muscle up again and, who knows, they may come back and improve.”
Barnes says he’s happy that both horses have drawn the inside of the second row from where they can enjoy nice soft first-up runs without having to do any work.
“I’m not sure what Franco Nandor (race eight) can do fresh-up but he’ll need the run more than the other bloke.
“They’re up in class a bit now so I’ll have to place them where they can be competitive.”
Franco Nandor races at 8.17pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Thursday night.
Brian Christopher races at 8.52pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Thursday night.
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Leo Lincoln close to a win: Watch how he copped it early last time at Manawatu
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
5.55pm
“The race never panned out for him on debut, he got too far back from a second row draw, but we’ve got the gun draw and gun driver (Zachary Butcher) on this time. He can run off the gate a bit so I don’t see why he can’t lead. I’d like to think he’s a chance to get some money. He’s been trialling and working well.”

Ray’s tips
Thursday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.41pm
“He missed four or five days work with an abscess in his foot when he came back from Manawatu so he could be a bit short.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.41pm
“She doesn’t handle the bends so well the Auckland way and is just going round to lose points. She’s been crucified by the handicapping system.”
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
6.06pm
“He’s not the finished article yet but he’s slowly getting the hang of it. There are nicer horses in the race than the ones he raced against at Manawatu so I’Il be happy if he can just do everything right and run a slot.”
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.31pm
“She won from a wide draw last time at Manawatu but this is a slightly harder field. She keeps drawing badly and the outside gate might inconvenience her again.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.22pm
“He got pushed out down the back last time because he couldn’t keep up. We had big aspirations for him but it looks like he isn’t as good as we thought. Nothing can beat Marketplace.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
7.54pm
“I’m sure she’s up to them when she’s right but she’s had her setbacks recently. First she tied up and then she kicked out at something and bruised a foot. She’s right now but that will render her not 100% fit.”
Race 9: Lincoln La Moose
9.36pm
“He went good races at Palmy but he pulled far too hard here last time. It was a better run than it looks on paper though as he couldn’t get a run at them in the straight. He’s probably on his mark now and will need a bit of luck.”