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
Hey Wendy and Amy, go easy of Fergs as he’s doing a sterling job taming Lincoln Linda
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
