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Lenny’s no rock star but he’s drawn to tune them up at Cambridge on Friday night

From gate four, Vincent two-year-old Lenny Lincoln looks best of Lincoln Farms’ three runners at Cambridge on Friday night.

The improving gelding has finished second in two recent runs on the course, powering home from well back last start behind the well backed favourite The Surfer.

And trainer Ray Green says moving in two spots on the front row this week could be all Lenny needs to notch his first win.

Instead of having to go back and mount his challenge three wide, with only a little luck, driver Andre Poutama should be able to secure a trip handy to the pace.

Lenny Lincoln looks close to taking a trick. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Lenny Lincoln looks close to taking a trick. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.“He seems to like Cambridge and I can’t see why he won’t be hard to beat. On paper he looks the best of our lot.”

The only recent glitch in Lenny Lincoln’s immediate form line was a sixth, when he couldn’t make ground from the back on Duchess Megxit’s 55.5 last half at Auckland.

Green believes his other maiden, Obadiah Dragon, also has a strong chance earlier in the night when he will enjoy starting from two on the front row.

Drawn the second row at Manawatu on Monday, Obadiah Dragon became snookered three back on the markers and Poutama was in tight quarters trying to find room in the run home, finishing a close fourth, just a head and a nose from second.

“I thought it was a good run. Things just didn’t happen for him at the right time and he got out only late.

“From a decent draw he’ll have no excuses this time. I could see him getting a cheque.”

Conquer Clare hasn’t been so fortunate with the draw in the eighth race, landing the outside of the eight-horse field.

But the quality of opposition is well down on her last start at Auckland when 11th, but only 3.9 lengths from winner Kourtney Kardash.

The former southern mare was in heavy traffic turning in, speared through a gap halfway down, then came to the end of her run 50 metres out.

“She wasn’t spectacular but I thought she was OK,” Green said.

“She’s better suited here and is a very honest little mare who should go well but eight is a bad draw in any field and negates any enthusiasm.”

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan Delany

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 Green

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.”

Dan Costello Race Photography