Tiger, tiger, burning bright - Queensland bush fires a little too close for comfort
By Barry Lichter • 10 October 2019
Queensland’s bush fires got a little too close for comfort for Lincoln Farms’ trainer Al Barnes this week.
Thirty fires are burning across the state but when one jumped the main highway near Marburg, residents of the small town were at one stage warned to evacuate.
The blaze, about 3km from Barnes’ Marburg stables, caused a major traffic jam when the main route between Ipswich and Toowoomba was closed as firefighters battled to contain it.
“It was only a small fire but if it had got out of control across the road we would have had 30 minutes to get out - which isn’t long when you’ve got to move 20 horses,” says Barnes.
“I had an evacuation plan ready but thankfully the helicopter bombers were there very quickly.
“The conditions are very dangerous at the moment with very hot, dry days and 40km to 50km winds. We’re in severe drought and it only takes a lightning strike on the grass to start a fire.”
The fire near Marburg caused a major traffic jam when the main highway was closed.Barnes is hoping forecasted showers arrive soon but already the temperatures have dropped from several days of 40 degrees to only 24, he says.
Barnes wonders if the heat contributed to Sir Tiger’s disappointing showing in last week’s Pot Of Gold Final, when he stopped to sixth after sitting parked for the last lap.
“He’s still getting used to the heat and maybe that, combined with a hard run, was a bit too much for him.
“He might also not be strong enough to sit in the chair and run 1:54, but I thought he should have won it - they were nearly all fillies against him.”
Barnes decided to try something different with Sir Tiger this week in preparation for Friday afternoon’s fifth race at Albion Park.
“Maybe we over-trained him last week? I’ve backed off him a little and kept him fresh and we’ll drive him like a sit-sprinter this time to give him some confidence. It’s a reasonably even field but I’m sure he’ll be competitive if we do that and be right in the money.”
Barnes says he’s still learning about Sir Tiger who starts from gate five, an awkward spot on the front row.
But he suspects from what he’s seen so far that Sir Tiger needs gelding.
“He might not have tried his best last week. He’s not colty or nasty but I want to make him a racehorse and there’s no advantage in keeping him a colt.
“Some colts have a killer attitude but others turn into pigs and you’ve only got to compare them on race night to geldings to notice the difference.”
Barnes says he’s likely to race Sir Tiger a few times before making the decision but he doesn’t want to risk leaving it too late.
If Sir Tiger was gelded soon, then rested, he could be prepared in time for the Victoria Derby in January.
“I don’t know if he’s up to it yet but you’ve got to give it a go.”
Sir Tiger races at 4.12pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday afternoon.
More news in Harness
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
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?
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
“He 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.”
