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.
More news in Harness
Over virus and with tighter hopples, Sammy only needs to bring his best behaviour to win
Street hoping King Of Swing colt has inherited some of dad’s speed as well as his good looks
Bags packed for Aussie - Ray’s ‘real racehorse’ Tyson sold to Albion Park boss
Ultimate gear change does the trick for brave little tradesman Lincoln Lover
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
