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
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Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
$101 winner Lincoln Wave has improved and is worth following in Friday’s derby lead-up
OK Sammy, lightning bolts aside, Ray’s relying on you to do things right this time
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Sharpe Stride, Marylynes Boy, Omaha Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Colonel Lincoln, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Prince Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates 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.”
