Hastings just a springboard for Lincoln Falls as Lisa looks to big miles later in the season

Lincoln Falls might be a run away from reminding people how good he is but trainer Lisa Latta is anticipating a good season ahead for the talented four-year-old.

Lincoln Falls faces strong opposition in the last race on premier day at Hastings on Saturday and is nowhere near concert pitch for his first run for four months.

But already Latta can see signs in both the horse’s looks and his behaviour that he is maturing into a real racehorse.

“He’s definitely a lot stronger and a lot more laid back. Last season he was always running a bit on his nerves.”

Latta knows its a tough transition for a horse to make from the age of three to four but is hoping he can win a couple of races early enough in his prep to allow her to set him for some of the big mile handicaps over summer.

He will be kept to shorter distances this season after his derby preparation last campaign showed he was too brilliant to stay.

Lincoln Falls goes into Saturday’s race with two trials under his belt, at Foxton on July 30 and August 20, struggling in very heavy ground both times.

Trainer Lisa Latta believes Chris Johnson will really suit Lincoln Falls.The horse had a good blow after his last trial, when a late closing fourth, and Latta says he will improve again with Saturday’s run.

“He can figure in the finish with luck but as long as he is hitting the line strongly, I will be happy.”

Latta has engaged top jockey Chris Johnson to ride Lincoln Falls from barrier 11.

“I feel Chris Johnson’s style of riding will really suit him. I expect this race to be run at a good tempo and hopefully Chris will be able to slot in on him and settle midfield or just in behind them.

“He has progressed well since his trial at Foxton and the better track will definitely help him.”

The club reported a dead 5 track this morning but with good weather until the weekend it is expected to race even faster.

Lincoln Hills after his win at Awapuni in May. Jonathan Riddell rides him again on Saturday. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Race rival Lincoln Hills will also appreciate the better footing having been completely bogged down at Riccarton last start.

A truer indication of his ability was his previous run at Hastings when he finished an unlucky fifth on slow 7 footing.

But Latta says he has a big job ahead of him with topweight of 60 kilos, 1.5kg more than Lincoln Falls.

“I considered claiming on him but it’s hard putting an apprentice up on a premier day like this - they just get outridden.”

Latta says on class Lincoln Hills is up to the opposition, especially on the right dead tracks, and he will have some good opportunities coming up in the spring conditions.

Lincoln Farms’ third runner, Lincoln Star, will find the 1400 metres too short in the sixth race, says Latta.

A winner at 1550 metres and 1650 metres, Lincoln Star is better than his form would indicate - he’s been struggling in very wet ground in all four runs this prep.

The only time he didn’t strike a heavy track was last time at Hastings on June 29 when it was a slow 7 and after a disappointing ninth Latta gave him a breather.

“He looks much better now. The draw is tricky but hopefully Robbie will be able to slot in and he will be doing his best work at the finish.”