...fabricate a "tube" that extends from the top of the 2nd remote (set to IR) out about 3 inches.

If you going to give him the answer, give him a complete one.
Just say to use an empty toilet paper roll tube, you know that's what you were thinking... :-)
Or use a full roll since with all that running around, you'll need something to wipe the sweat off ...

Yea, I said it :-)