Man Of Action (4) in his October win at Albion Park. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
We won’t see too much action from Man Of Action on Tuesday but he’s come back better
By Barry Lichter • 1 March 2021
Trainer Al Barnes isn’t expecting too much from Man Of Action when he resumes from a two month break at Albion Park on Tuesday.
Drawn the outside of the gate in the sixth race, Man Of Action will be driven quietly, says Barnes.
“He’ll go back and his trial was good enough to say he’ll run on into the top four.”
Man Of Action finished a head second in his 1660 metre trial on February 23, left in front after the leader galloped at the 400 and run down in the last stride by Jive.
“He’s had a good break and has come back a lot bigger and stronger.
“But I’d like to get him healthier in the coat. The Queensland heat has really dried him out.”
Man Of Action started his Queensland campaign last September in fine style with two seconds and a win and he was only once out of the first five in his first eight starts.
But Barnes says the horse was cooked one night when he had a really hard run and consequently raced flat through December before he was spelled.
“He’s a good bread and butter horse who will be better for the break but Tuesday’s race will be more like a trial for him.
“The two horse (Moresco) will lead and bowl along and the five (Bettathanideal) goes nicely so it’s hard to see him beating them but he’s good enough to run on and be in the money.”
Man Of Action, who has a career record of three wins and 11 placings from 32 starts, is raced by Lincoln Farms owners John and Lynne Street and a host of partners including Steve Beckett, Kevin Bell, Michael Brereton, Marilyn Brown, Margaret Rabbitt, the Green Machine Racing Syndicate, the Athenry Syndicate and the Chisso’s and Wack Syndicate.
Man Of Action races at 7.22pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.
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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.”
