Draw sucks but Tommy only has to run top five on Saturday to get a pass mark from the boss

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.