Tommy Lincoln in his familiar leading role last start but he’s just as effective from behind. PHOTO: Megan Leifting/Race Images.
In-form Tommy gunning for win No. 8 - and the opposition is easier on Friday
By Barry Lichter • 11 November 2020
With the scalp of Star Galleria on his belt, Tommy Lincoln will be out to land another killer blow against weaker opposition at Auckland on Friday night.
Tommy Lincoln notched his best win yet when he led all the way to win on mile night a Alexandra Park, clocking a slick 1:54.4 to beat Steven Reid’s former pinup pacer by half a length.
While only a small field it was still a rating 67 to 102 race and on Friday he reverts to a rating 55 to 75 event over 2200 metres.
As the highest rated horse in the field, the winner of seven races, the preferential barrier draw sees him have to start from three on the second row but trainer Ray Green doesn’t believe that will make the horse impotent.
“He used to be one dimensional but he’s improved now and is just as effective coming from off the pace as he is in front.”
Green says Tommy Lincoln might have a problem if asked to run the gate then take a sit but from the second row he should he able to slot in and make his run when driver David Butcher chooses.
“He’s in-form and reliable and that makes him our best chance of the night.
“The boys tell me he’s trained on well while I’ve been away in Christchurch.”
Green opts for Apieceoflou over Revitalise when the two clash in the fifth race.
Both horses have drawn nicely on the front, an early scratching bringing Revitalise in to three and Apieceoflou four.
But Green says Apieceoflou has proven to be the more reliable in his short career.
“He’s a lovely horse who doesn’t do much wrong. I think he could improve into a really nice horse.”
Apieceoflou showed the ability Green knew he had two starts back when, for the first time he landed the trail, and was too good at the finish of 1700 metres, clocking a 1:56 mile rate.
And his effort for fourth last time also had merit as, from the second row, Butcher got him into the one-one sit at the bell and he was able to finish on for fourth to the flying Taipo who clocked 1:53.7.
Apieceoflou ran a slick 1:54.7 himself to get within five lengths of the winner.
Revitalise’s credentials are muddied slightly by his inexplicable break behind the gate at Cambridge last start when favourite.
Despite that, the horse still managed to finish only 5.4 lengths from Bet West after launching a four wide challenge across the top. Though he came to the end of his run in the stretch he battled away gamely.
He looked on the verge of winning when racking up two seconds during October but he doesn’t like being hurried early.
“He’s had only 11 starts so he’s not that experienced.”
More news in Harness
‘The Kid’ flying but Argyle up against it to add good points in novel drivers’ challenge
Street’s emotion-charged night in the winners’ room - sad loss before a record four wins
It’s green jackets all the way and Ray fancies improving surprise packet Prince Lincoln
The Lincoln Wave secret is well and truly out now, but who was that mystery underbidder?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.26pm
“She had to sit parked most of the way last time but still went well, and that’s what she does. She’s proven to be a very promising filly and, while it’s hard these days to win without a good trip, it’s an even field and she’s a good chance again.”
Race 2: Lincoln Lou
5.55pm
“He probably cost himself a win last week by going roughly, but he can do that. If he’d got Frisco Bay’s trip he would have won with his closing quarters of 56 and 27 the fastest in the race. He’s just got to do things right to be the one to beat, even from the bad draw, as it’s an easier field.”
Race 5: Frisco Bay
7.30pm
“He’s up in grade a bit but I don’t think there’s anything between them. He’s just got to get the right run and, with his speed, he’ll be right in it.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.59pm
“He’s no superstar but he’s very honest and he’s always a place chance as he’s a tough bugger, he sat parked last week.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.59pm
“With a similar run to last week, he’d be right in it. He clocked 55.8 and 27.7, doing his best work at the finish. He hasn’t gone a bad race since he’s come back.”
Race 8: Prince Lincoln
8.59pm
“I wasn’t expecting him to do anything on debut as he’s a green, young horse. But he went very well so he’s obviously lifted his game for the occasion. And he’s trained on even better so the experience has enhanced him. From the inside he has to be a good chance.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.59pm
“She’s definitely a better animal left-handed but she was passable right-handed and should go better this time. She’s got some speed.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.59pm
“She’s a nice filly but is behind the others. I don’t expect her to beat anything but she needs the experience.”
Race 8: Lincoln Linda
8.59pm
“There won’t be any shadows for her to jump this time so she has to be a serious chance. She’d been dominant at the workouts and trials before her debut but didn’t get the chance to show her true worth.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.59pm
“Fergie was quite impressed with him on debut and requested the drive again. He finished on strongly up the lane and should go well again. He just needs some luck from the outside of the gate.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 3: Argyle
9.04pm NZ time
“I thought his last two starts have been terrific. There’s no doubt this race is tougher, and he has trickier draw, but I was talking to Angus last night and he was quite upbeat about his chances. He said the horse gave him a good feel when he sat parked two starts back and he picked him too (in the draft). But it won’t be easy. There could be a bit of pressure early. I think he’ll come out and see what unfolds and, if there is too much pressure, he’ll drive him quietly.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Manawatu
Race 1: Onyx Shard
5.29pm
“You can put a line through her last run at Cambridge when she pulled up showing signs of a respiratory infection. She had a couple of weeks off after that and, while she hasn’t trialled since, she’s been training down nicely. She’s a nice filly and from the good draw should really win.”
Race 3: Lincoln La Moose
6.19pm
“He wasn’t far away in the amateur race at Auckland last time despite jumping a shadow early and galloping. This is a decent drop in class for him and he should be very competitive.
