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Larry Lincoln is just a nose behind Man Of Action, inner, and cruising at the finish of his trial last week.

Al pumped over new Lincoln Farms’ pair - and he says Larry Lincoln is fair flying

Trainer Al Barnes is looking forward to tonight at Albion Park when he unleashes his two new Lincoln Farms runners, Larry Lincoln and Man Of Action.

Barnes says both horses will be hard to beat, Larry Lincoln, in particular, whom the bookies have a $1.45 hotpot for the fourth race.

“I can’t fault Larry, he’s a nice horse. On his trial and his work he should be winning. His work has been super at home and he’s ready to go.”

Barnes says his son Hayden was very taken by Larry Lincoln’s trial last week when he was pipped a nose by Man Of Action in a mile rate of 1:54.8.

“Hayden said he could have gone 1:53 and he’s improved since then.”

The field Larry faces tonight is below par and Barnes doesn’t expect his barrier six draw to be any hindrance over the 1660 metre trip.

Pukekohe trainer Ray Green never made a secret of the high speed Larry possesses, it was only his stamina that was in question here.

Man Of Action … has been in solid form at Auckland.Man Of Action … has been in solid form at Auckland.Man Of Action faces an even line-up in the sixth race, where he is a $2 favourite in gate four.

“He’s improving every time we work him but he’s still a little tubby for my liking and may need a couple of runs to tighten up.

“He’s not 100 percent yet but if he runs up to his trial he’ll run top three.”

Man Of Action has been a model of consistency since lockdown and was a last-start second to Adieu Flirt at Alexandra Park on August 20.

Brief break for Hustler

Meanwhile, Barnes has scratched Northview Hustler from his engagement on Saturday night.

The horse ran a terrific third equal last week behind Colt Thirty One but is a bit niggly this week, says Barnes.

“It’s nothing major but he’s a bit foot sore with corns and is a bit flat and tired and dry in the coat.

“The best he could have managed this week (from the second row) was to slip into fourth so I’ll give him a week off and a little freshen-up.”

Barnes says the Hustler is due for his monthly joint treatment but, unable to take him to the university, where he has always had a good result, he’s trying a new vet and a few different products.

“He should be back at the trials in three weeks and back at the races in a month.”

Larry Lincoln races at 9.24pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.Larry Lincoln races at 9.24pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.Man Of Action races at 10.22pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.Man Of Action races at 10.22pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday night.

Our runners this week

Friday night at Cambridge

Lincoln Lover, Prince Lincoln, Debbie Lincoln, Lincoln Lou, Sugar Ray Lincoln.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Tuesday twilight at Manawatu

Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.44pm

“Fergie’s drive on Sunday was perfect, you couldn’t ask for better, and he said the horse was doing his best work in the last 50 metres. Maybe with another 100 metres he might have got there. His gate speed is only OK so I can see him getting crossed here.”

Race 5: Kevin Kline
6.19pm

“Fergie said he did it easily on the first day, and the horse only did what he had to. He’s been racing much nicer horses at Auckland so it was good to get the win, hopefully it will boost his confidence. I’ll leave the tactics up to Fergie but I imagine he’ll probably do the same thing again, loop the field and outstay them.”

Race 6: Onyx Shard
6.54pm

“I was hoping she’d drop down a grade. She’s had some tough trips recently, having to do a lot of work, and it didn’t help being three wide for the last lap on the first day. Also they only walked and sprinted home. She could be better coming with one run at them.”

Race Images - Harness