‘Diesel’ on premium today as he takes Pukekohe jumpout with a minimum of fuss

“We’re winning the battle.”

That’s how trainer Nigel Tiley summed up Lincoln Springs’ jumpout at Pukekohe today when the giant three-year-old not only behaved himself at the barriers but showed his rivals a clean pair of heels.

Tiley has been working on Lincoln Springs’ gate manners since he refused to play ball at the Avondale trials last month.

And the homework paid off today when the Foxwedge gelding gave rider Dean Parker no trouble going into the gates for his 800 metre maiden heat and scoring easily by a length.

“He put up a strong gallop. He pulled his way to the front halfway up the straight and kept going.

“The way the big fella went today he’s got something a bit special in the tank.”

Dean Parker brings Lincoln Springs back to the stables after today’s jumpout. PHOTO: Kate Tiley.Tiley suspects Diesel, as he is nicknamed because of his 16.3 to 17 hands size, has given himself a fright at some stage banging his head.

“He didn’t like loading onto the truck for a while either and would get up to where the roof is and stop. But he’s definitely been better the last couple of times - it’s just a confidence thing.

“Once he’s doing everything right there should be plenty to look forward to.”

Tiley will now take Diesel back to the trials at Avondale next Tuesday to see what he can do in a more competitive environment.

“Jumpouts are just a bit of maintenance and education - we don’t put them under any pressure.”

That’s why Tiley says you can’t read anything into the fact Lincoln Thunder finished second last, albeit right with the pack.

Lincoln Thunder was only a couple of lengths off Lincoln Springs at the line, with the 800 metres cut out in 48.5.

The Better Than Ready three-year-old looked a real up-and-comer a couple of weeks ago when he was beaten just a neck at the Avondale trials without being knocked around.

“As long as he draws a barrier and I’m happy with him we’ll take him to Ruakaka next Wednesday for his debut.”

Meanwhile at the Cambridge trials, Lincoln King had his first hitout in a new preparation in a 935 metre open catchweight heat.

The stayer was pedictably outpaced, travelling second last in the field of six and finishing last, about five lengths behind winner Jakkalbomb.

Trainer Stephen Marsh says rider Danielle Johnson reported he felt good, the horse pulled up well, and would trial over 1200 metres next before resuming at the races over 1600 metres.