It won’t be Super Easy for latecomer on Tuesday but he’s getting there, says Al
By Barry Lichter • 24 February 2020
“The penny hasn’t dropped but it’s on the way.”
That’s how Marburg trainer Al Barnes describes his latest Lincoln Farms’ newcomer Its Super Easy who debuts at Albion Park on Tuesday.
The Art Major - Shy Annie three-year-old meets only six rivals in the second race and, while Barnes says he won’t be disgraced and can earn a cheque, the conditions hugely favour two-race winner Dataldo.
Barnes thought he was nominating for a maiden race but in fact it was for three-year-olds who haven’t won a race this season.
“I’ve decided to let him go round anyway for the experience. There’s no point in him sitting round at home when he needs to race to learn.
(Its) Super Easy (Andre Poutama) leads Larry Lincoln in winning a workout at Pukekohe last September.“He’ll be competitive but from six we’ll let him find a spot, settle in the field and run on.
“He will develop gate speed. When Brendan drove him into third in a trial behind Northview Hustler, when he paced 1:55, he said he felt like he wanted to run the gate.
“I don’t think he’s mentally ready for that yet. It may take him 10 or 15 starts before he’s a racehorse but he has run a 28 quarter and 57.5 half and that’s good enough speed for now.”
Its Super Easy has had two official trials in preparation for his debut, running a distant third to Northview Hustler on January 21, pacing a quick 1:55 mile rate, then winning when left in front on February 4 in a 2:00.7 mile rate.
Dataldo, however, has racked up two wins and seven placings from 15 starts and was a close up third in a 1:53 mile rate last start.
Its Super Easy has come a long way since he arrived from New Zealand a big, overgrown dummy, but Barnes says he has a way to go yet before he produces his best, like his brother Alleluia who has won 35 races, most of them in Queensland.
“He’ll do his best on Tuesday and won’t disgrace himself but whatever he does, he’ll improve on.”
Barnes will also trial the vastly improved Joey Lincoln on Tuesday.
“He’s flying in his work at home. When he arrived he was running laps of our 650 metre track in 60, and doing things wrong. The other day he ran up in 52, and paced super. When they gallop, they don’t go any faster than 50.
“He only went round quietly last time but Hayden will give him a decent education tomorrow.”
Its Super Easy races at 4.37pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
