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.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln LInda
5.14pm
“The fillies she raced against in the Sires’ Stakes Semi were the best around so this is a massive drop in class for her. I imagine Fergie will work his way forward, as she’s best in front, and then she’d become the one to beat.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
5.16pm
“The draw helps as he likes being in front. The raw ability is there but from time to time he’s reluctant to show it. But that last start was a vast improvement.”
Race 1: Colonel Lincoln
5.16pm
“He was definitely in need of the run first-up and will benefit from another. He’s been off the scene for a long time.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.08pm
“He did well second-up, peeling off a 55.1 half. He’s been a slow maturer but I think he’s getting stronger as he gets older - he certainly feels much stronger in his work.”
Race 5: Lincoln Wave
7.08pm
“The Cambridge race has brought him on and I’m sure he’ll go well again, but he won’t be butchered a week out from the Derby. I don’t want to get carried away but he’s a pretty good horse, the best of our three in the race. He’s a year younger than Suger Ray but has a bit more ability. It’s hard to know where he’ll take us but he has the potential to be a classic colt.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.08pm
“He’s in the zone, he’s feeling really great, and he won’t go badly. But he’ll need luck from the draw.”
Race 9: Spiritual Bliss
9.04pm
“She’s racing better horses now and has done well to cop getting parked in some hard-run races. Leading is her go and she’ll get her chance from the inside draw.”
Race 10: Rivergirl Bella
9.36pm
“She has got a bit of speed but she can’t carry it very far. But if she gets the right trip, and gets out at the right time, not too soon, she’s always a chance.”
Race 10: Jessie Lincoln
9.36pm
“Harry blamed himself for the horse breaking at the start at Cambridge - he said he asked her to go a bit too quickly off the gate. She shouldn’t do it again. She’ll hold her own here, I’m sure.”
Race 10: Marylynes Boy
9.36pm
“He’s been training well but he’s only a little colt having his first start and from the second row I think Nathan will be happy to just see him get around safely.”
