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
Brace for Ray and Lincoln Farms at Cambridge but Colonel’s placing just as thrilling
Ray: Preferential draw for top fillies makes it tough for everyone else in Golden Gait series
Patient owners hoping high-priced Colonel can salute at Cambridge on Thursday night
Friday’s Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup all about the standing start manners of Aussie raider
Our runners this week
Tuesday at Cambridge
Colonel Lincoln, Onyx Shard, Commander Lincoln, Debbie Lincoln, Kevin Kline, Lincoln La Moose, The Big Lebowski.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
5.51pm
“Back to Cambridge and the easier amateur ranks he can get some of it. He’s an honest little horse who pays his way.”
Race 4: Onyx Shard
6.49pm
“She’s a nice filly who is training really well and it wouldn’t surprise me to see her in the money in spite of the outside draw. She’d be one of the best in that field and is definitely an each-way chance.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.39pm
“He hasn’t raced for nearly 21 months but his training has been good and he should go well first-up. He’s a beautiful, big horse who probably lacks a yard of speed to be a real super horse but he’s got everything else. I expect him to go well against this lot.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
8.04pm
“He’s training well and has surprised us before, like when he won his first start at Cambridge like a monster after breaking on the first turn. It’s always the way when they win their first start - it makes things hard for them after that - but he’s travelling well now and is capable of being in it.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Lincoln Lou
7.09pm
“He’ll be relying on a heap of good luck from the second row. His last run was a non-event. The poor little bugger couldn’t have done a better job of finding trouble. He’s trained on all right.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.09pm
“He’s training really well and he showed last time what a big motor he had, losing all that ground early and still getting up to win. He’s not famous for his gate speed but as long as he gets away safely then Maurice can put him in the race at the right time. There are a lot of horses in there that aren’t that safe who could stand on their ear. Navigating through them is always a worry. He’ll need some luck but he could give them a fright.”
Race 6: Frisco Bay
8.05pm
“He obviously can’t beat Duchess Megxit or Jeremiah but if he gets a good trip he’s a chance of getting some money. Things didn’t suit him last time - being out three wide then going to the front. He’s so hot, he over-races. He goes best if he’s allowed to slop out and find the back of something, when he generally relaxes. Even if he got back a bit, that would be all right, so long as he gets sucked along.”
