Tommy Lincoln whips former NZ Cup winner Cruz Bromac in his trial 10 days ago.
Draw sucks but Tommy only has to run top five on Saturday to get a pass mark from the boss
By Barry Lichter • 26 August 2022
From an awkward barrier draw, Tommy Lincoln only has to run in the top five to get a pass mark from trainer Mark Dux at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Tommy Lincoln lines up for his first race in eight weeks in the opener, not ideally suited by the 2138 metres and at a distinct disadvantage from the inside of the second row.
But despite all that, and the fact he meets some talented rivals, Dux is expecting a good effort from the horse.
“The way he trialled, I’m sure he’ll race well,” said Dux pointing to the horse’s excellent 1:52.1 mile rate clocking over Cruz Bromac 10 days ago.
“I’m really happy with him - he’s done well since the trial - the only worry is he could end up four back.”
Dux can see pole runner Sam Is Perfection being crossed early by former Kiwi Star Galleria, immediately putting Tommy three deep.
And if Star Galleria then hands to either of the two favourites, Mach Da Vinci or Will The Wizard, it will see Tommy buried four back with little or no chance of getting into the action.
“Three back would be great but four back would make it a lot harder. Still, I’m happy enough with the draw as he doesn’t need a gut buster first-up.
“If he’d drawn in midfield you’d have had to go forward or drag him back, which is not easy to do with him.
“It’s not the end of the world. There are a couple of mile races coming up in the next two weeks and he’ll be fitter for them.”
Dux, however, hasn’t totally written off Tommy’s chances on Saturday night.
“It will all come down to where we land, three or four back. If Mach da Vinci led, and went hard down the back, the field might open up, then who knows what might happen?”
Dux says while there are five genuine open company horses in the field, Tommy isn’t out of place.
“There’s nothing he hasn’t raced before and he’s been more than competitive. He’s run the times and finished second to Will The Wizard before.”
Tommy Lincoln races at 7.39pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Omaha Lincoln long in the odds but he has enough toe to say he won’t be entirely beached
Watch Sammy Lincoln charge home and you’ll want to be on at Cambridge on Thursday night
Lincoln Wave scorches in, still on target for richer races and Sammy’s making progress too
Johnny Lincoln’s big ticker will stand to him in the States and Lover’s also sold to Aussie
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Omaha Lincoln
4.49pm
“He’s never been to Cambridge, and it’s his first time off the place, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go well - he’s certainly got enough speed to do the business. It’s guesswork trying to assess him against the others but I think he’ll do everything right so he’s a chance.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
6.51pm
“She is a bit one-dimensional - she’ll take charge of proceedings when the gate leaves. She could get parked but if she got a cheque I’d be happy.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.22pm
“He was taking ground off the winner last week and I don’t think the step up to 2700 will make much difference, he’s race fit now. He’ll do what he can do, he’s no champion, but he’s got the draw, he steps well and he won’t be far away.”
Race 7: Lincoln Wave
7.52pm
“The draw is awkward over the sprint distance at Cambridge but he’s absolutely capable of being right in the fray if he happened to get a good trip - he’s an improver every time he goes to the races. Not many of the others have run 1:54.”
Race 7: Sammy Lincoln
7.52pm
“I thought he did well to finish third last week after being parked out. The draw makes it very hard but he’s got real speed and if he dropped into it late, it wouldn’t surprise me if he got home really well.”
Race 10: Spiritual Bliss
9.24pm
“They’ll know they’ve been to the races if she gets any kind of trip. She was parked the whole way last time in 1:52 and wasn’t far off them. I don’t really want to see her parked again but you’d think Tytate would duck for cover knowing we’d say in front. She’s tough and reliable - she hasn’t gone a bad race since we’ve had her - and you know she’ll put herself in the race.”
Race 10: Another Cullect
9.24pm
“The outside is not a good draw for her but, if they go hard, it will suit her.”
