Joey Lincoln … needed time and he’s had plenty of that now. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Joey runs hot in latest trial but Al and Hayden need to be cool to pass latest COVID-19 test
By Barry Lichter • 28 March 2020
Racing Queensland will introduce mandatory temperature testing on Tuesday when Lincoln Farms’ next kid on the block Joey Lincoln will attempt to qualify.
Before trainer Al Barnes or his driver son Hayden can even pass through the gates at Albion Park they will have their temperatures taken in the latest measure to keep racing going during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Only key personnel are now allowed on course during race meetings in the state, with no public or owners, and those attending will now be denied access if their temperature is above 37.8 deg C.
Racing Queensland has also abandoned its winter carnival, reduced the number of horses which can compete at its meetings and introduced regional racing where limited tracks are used and competitors cannot move between zones.
Harness racing will continue at Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg where strict biosecurity protocols are now in place.
Racing Queensland’s CEO Brendan Parnell said unprecedented times called for unprecedented measures.
“We must do everything within our powers to provide for the 40,000 Queenslanders who participate across the state.
“These are their livelihoods that are at stake.
Regional racing model
“By introducing a regional racing model, we are able to further support the Queensland Government’s direction to stay local, reduce non-essential travel and to limit the spread of this insidious virus.”
Harness drivers will now use their own colours on racedays, so stable silks are not passed from one person to the next.
Al Barnes is thankful that racing can continue in the state, unlike in New Zealand where no racing is allowed while the country remains on Covid level 4 alert, and will not be possible for some time after that with most horses now turned out.
And in Joey Lincoln he believes he has a horse who can win first-up when he decides to push that button.
In his latest educational trial at Albion Park last Friday, Barnes tried the Sweet Lou three-year-old in front for the first time and, while still a little green, he showed his ability when scoring a comfortable five length win.
Joey Lincoln is well clear and travelling easily in his latest educational trial at Albion Park.“He did it nicely and Hayden didn’t knock him around - he went a 2:02 mile rate and came home in 29. It’s the first time Hayden has been able to slap him on the bum, and the horse responded well.
“He’ll qualify on Tuesday and we might give him a couple of trials before he goes to the races as I won’t start him until he’s 100 percent ready when he can run 55.”
Barnes says he’s always liked Joey Lincoln even though he wasn’t much liked at Lincoln Farms in Pukekohe where trainer Ray Green said he’d need a bit of time to find himself.
“He’s got speed but he’s just needed that time. I’ve given him a lot of long, slow work to give him confidence.
“He used to drive through from behind and touch himself. That would make him scared and he’d take off and the more he pulled, the more he hit himself.”
Barnes has helped rectify the fault by fitting the horse behind with aluminium shoes elevated by three degrees.
Joey Lincoln is out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Bettabe Fast who won only two races.
“I’m confident he can win first-up and I’m hoping he can win a couple of races quite quickly.”
More news in Harness
Debbie lands Golden draw at last in her bid to give Sampson a haircut at the Park
Spiritual Bliss and Lincoln Maree add to Lincoln Farms’ gallery of Manawatu heroes
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.22pm
“She got home really well on the second night at Manawatu and gets a good draw here. There’s not much exposed form in the race so it’s hard to know how she compares but she’ll win one.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Debbie Lincoln
7.01pm
“I thought she went super again last week with no luck and we’ve got a decent draw for a change so you have to like her chances. She’s been getting in on the corners, so we’ve added a Murphy blind.”
Race 3: Tyson
7.01pm
“I was impressed by the way he hung on to Captain Sampson and Greased Lightnin last week. They’re strong sprinters and it was only a sprint up the straight. He’ll need things to go his way from six.”
Race 3: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.01pm
“It was his first run for a while last week and he probably needed another trial. But we thought we might as well race him to set him up for this week. The outside draw of eight doesn’t help.”
Race 9: Lincoln Lover
9.55pm
“He’s not as sharp as our other two but he’s a game little bugger. He’ll win races for sure.”
Race 9: Prince Lincoln
9.55pm
“I thought he went really well last week. He’d had only one trial and was a bit fresh so it was understandable that he got tired the last bit. That will tighten him up and I’m expecting him to race well. He’s trained on well since.”
Race 9: Johnny Lincoln
9.55pm
“Prince has the wood on Johnny but he’ll still go well. He found the line well last week. It was his first run for a while too, and his first as a gelding.”
