Al sending Lincoln’s Command to his mate Ben to get the winning polish - or be retired

Trainer Al Barnes is hoping Lincoln’s Command will be competitive at Ipswich on Thursday in his swansong from his Marburg stable.

Lincoln’s Command comes back to 1700 metres in the sixth race after getting fired up and over-racing over 2200 metres last time on the Sunshine Coast.

“I’ve got an experienced rider in Ron Goltz on him and he’ll ride the horse quietly and let him run on. It’s not an overly strong field so hopefully he can be in the money before he goes off to his new trainer.”

Ben Ahrens will take over Lincoln’s Command after Thursday.Barnes has organised to send the six-year-old to his mate Ben Ahrens at Beaudesert, 90km south-east of Marburg, so he can better put the finishing polish on the horse who is on the comeback trail from a stifle injury.

“He’ll be going there 95% fit but he’ll have a better chance to show if he’s worth carrying on with at Ben’s stable.

“He’s only on a temporary entry permit at the moment, which has been extended another three months, but it will cost $25,000 to make him a permanent resident and he has to show he’s worth it and can handle the rigours of training.”

Barnes says he’s well set up for rehab and pre-training but stayers like Lincoln’s Command need more work.

“I can’t get him ridden enough here - my track is too small - and there are days after fast work when he feels his stifle and he needs to be in a pool, which Ben can do.

“He’ll get every chance with Ben then, if he doesn’t make it, I’ve got a perfect home picked out for him.

“I also need to concentrate more on the pacers - there are another three coming over next week so I’ll be flat out.”

Barnes will take over the training of Super Easy, Cover Boy Pretty and Joey Lincoln for Lincoln Farms, all unraced three-year-olds whom principal trainer Ray Green has deduced won’t make it in New Zealand.

Lincoln’s Command races at Ipswich at 7.50pm NZ time on Thursday.