Trojan Banner went on a winning streak of seven in Brisbane. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Al proud of our boy Trojan Banner who is in the running for three-year-old of the year
By Barry Lichter • 20 September 2019
Trojan Banner’s hot streak in Brisbane has been recognised with the colt a finalist for the title of Queensland three-year-old pacer of the year.
And while Trojan Banner is almost certain to be outpointed by the top filly Smart As Camm Be, trainer Al Barnes says he’s very proud of what the horse achieved for Lincoln Farms in just five months.
“He exceeded all our expectations - we didn’t think he was that good.”
Between March and July, Trojan Banner remained unbeaten, racking up seven wins in a row on the road to the Queensland Derby.
And with a little more luck he could have placed in the derby, rather than finishing fifth, when he roared home in sectionals faster than winner Self Assured.
Hayden Barnes urges Trojan Banner on in his narrow win at Redcliffe. PHOTO: Michael McInally.Trojan Banner was sold to the United States for a six figure sum soon afterwards and Barnes is hoping he will get the chance to prove the sequence was no fluke with some new Lincoln Farms’ stock this season.
“The goal is to win it (the three-year-old award) this year. Sir Tiger will do a good job but we’ll just have to wait and see what else Lincoln Farms sends over.”
Barnes reports Sir Tiger is nearly back in full work after a recent mishap in the cart left him with a big haematoma high up inside his off hind leg.
“There’s still a bit of swelling there but he bowled along quite freely today.
“He could be ready to race on Friday week.”
While Trojan Banner amassed A$44,820 during the season, Smart As Camm Be’s tally was considerably higher at A$74,837.
She won seven of her eight starts, including the Group II Queensland Triad Final and a heat of the Victoria Oaks, her sole defeat in the Oaks Final.
Neither remaining finalists Escalera nor Lifes Black are serious contenders for the three-year-old award with vastly inferior records.
The winner will be announced at a gala function on September 29.
More news in Harness
Bang! Lincoln Wave’s tyre blows out, startling rival drivers but Alabar win would shock more
Cheapies The Night Fox and Lincoln Maree keep the tally ticking over at Cambridge
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Leo Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Missy Lincoln, Lincoln Wave, Johnny Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
5.44pm
“From a good front line draw Harry can run off the gate and find the front. He’s shown he’s got the speed to get there. And if he can go 2:42 again, or quicker, I thought he’d be a very good winning chance. It’s an easier field than the one he beat last time. He’s trained well this week.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.09pm
“She goes down to Cambridge for the first time so it’s a big drop in class. She also goes a lot better left-handed so I thought from the good draw she could run top three.”
Race 3: Lincoln Maree
6.34pm
“She paced a 1:56.7 mile in beating the amateurs last start but it looks like she’ll need a bit of luck from the draw this time. The two inside her like to lead so she could end up three fence or outside them. I’ll leave it up to Harry to get the right trip.”
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.34pm
“He’s a place chance. He likes bowling along but from five it’s hard to say where he’ll end up. He’s very consistent and he paced 2:42.3 last time so I can absolutely see him in the money.”
Race 6: Lincoln Linda
8.04pm
“She was in a very strong R40 to R48 race last time at Auckland against horses like Alecto, All Of Me and Cyclone Rebel, and she clocked 2:41.1, so back to Cambridge where she won her first race, and a much easier R38 to R40 field, she’s got to be a good winning chance. She’s best in front if Fergie can get there.”
