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.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Johnny Lincoln
5.39pm
“He didn’t do anything at Auckland last start but seems to go better left-handed and placed at Cambridge in his only start there.”
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.39pm
“Her driver (Harrison Orange) said she would have won last start had that horse (Mr Miki) not stopped in her face. The winner was gone by the time she saw daylight. She will just need some luck from the second row draw.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.39pm
“He should have won last start at Auckland but we’ve taken the blinds off on Friday night and, in a weaker line-up, going left-handed, we’ll see how he goes.”
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.37pm
“I think the race will be won or lost soon after the start. It’s out of our control, we just have to hope she gets a run through and then I’m sure she’ll be hard to beat.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.40pm
“She’s got a little bit of lick but only has a short sprint, so timing is everything.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.40pm
“Being put in the race from the start last time obviously took a bit of the sting out of him. But at least there’s no chance that will happen this time from the second row. In his previous races he’d ducked for cover and got sucked along but he needs a decent tempo, he’s no sit-sprinter.”
