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
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Pole goes on The Night Fox - now he just needs a little luck from a niggly draw on Friday night
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
