Al happy to look after Joey - he won’t be bustled out to lead on Friday night

If Joey Lincoln can run in the top four at Albion Park on Friday night, trainer Al Barnes will be plenty pleased.

But, realistically, even from the inside draw, Barnes says Joey, who is just a learner, will probably find the opposition too strong.

Barnes has been unable to find a maiden race for Joey Lincoln since his frustrating fourth on debut, when he galloped under pressure 300 metres from home when running second.

“That’s the first time he’s galloped in the last two months and it was just pressure. The leader (Friday’s race rival Betterthandiamonds) was going too fast for him and he wasn’t comfortable chasing her.

“He might have been touching round the bend but I think it was just greenness. We’ve just got to get his confidence up.”

Barnes doesn’t want to see Joey spearing out too fast from the ace draw on Friday night.

“He won’t lead. We don’t want to put him under pressure like that. Second or third on the fence and getting a nice, cruisy trip would be ideal.

“I’d actually like him to be three fence so he’s not the first one chasing the leader.

“Last time he had to park out and do the chasing (when the winner went a 1:54.6 mile rate) but this time he should get a sweet trip on the fence. It’s a strong field but if he can do that he can run top four.

“I’m happy with him, he’s doing well and isn’t tired. He’s got ability but just needs a bit of time.

“If he can go round in 1:57 or 1:58 each week, do it within himself and learn, he’ll keep improving.”

When there was no maiden for Joey to run in last week, Barnes pulled him out of the only alternative.

“He didn’t need to be chasing a filly like Pelosi (who has won seven races and more than $250,000 from only 11 starts).

“But there’s a maiden now scheduled for Tuesday and, if that holds up, he can go round again.”

Joey Lincoln races at 9.52pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.