Kevin Kline powers home at Cambridge but is a stride too late. PHOTO: Ange Bridson/Race Images.
Kevin Kline a real fish called Wanda fresh-up but he’ll learn from the run for Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 20 November 2024
Expect another good effort from Kevin Kline at Auckland on Friday night, despite his being a bit like a fish out of water fresh-up.
The two-year-old did everything but win at Cambridge last week, flashing late to be pipped half a head, with driver Maurice McKendry reporting he simply got lost when asked to sprint.
“When Maurice asked him to go at the top of the straight he didn’t quite know what to do,” said trainer Ray Green.
“He wound up well in the end but just left it a little late. He’ll learn from that and should go well again.”
The Always B Miki gelding gets a draw upgrade from five to one this week but Green isn’t so sure that’s the place to be for a learner.
“The inside is an awkward draw as you’re obligated to leave, or end up three or four fence, but hopefully he’ll be all right.
“He’s a nice horse who will only get better.”
Work in progress
Lincoln Farms has only other runner on the night, Debbie Lincoln in the Lincoln Farms Pace for two-year-old fillies, but Green describes her as a work in progress.
“She has a bit of ability - she’s fast - but she needs to harness it. She gets a little claustrophobic when they come around her.”
The Lather Up filly has won two of her latest three workouts, leading all the way in the last one on November 14, but showed her greenness when galloping on the last bend in her November 7 heat, won by Kevin Kline.
Green said Debbie Lincoln is much better equipped to handle racing now than when she had her first two runs in April, behind the top Purdon/Phelan filly Youretheonethatiwant.
“She wasn’t ready for races like the Delightful Lady Classic but is a much stronger individual now, which is normal progress.
“You don’t know what you’re up against in these early races - there’s always something flying under the radar - but the mission on Friday will be to get round without her doing anything stupid. If she happened to win it, great.”
Debbie Lincoln, who is out of the one-win Sir Lincoln mare Yasmine Bromac, cost just $3500 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock weaning sale and is now raced by Green’s wife Debbie and Lincoln Farms owners John and Lynne Street.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
