Lincoln Farms’ quality pair Lincoln King and Platinum Invador primed for big cups
By Barry Lichter • 12 February 2021
Lincoln Farms’ two pronged assault on the $500,000 Auckland Cup is right on target with both Lincoln King and Platinum Invador primed for a final lead-up in Saturday week’s $100,000 Avondale Cup at Ellerslie.
The line-up for the March 13 feature at Ellerslie is already down to 18 with Platinum Invador the equal second favourite at $5 and Lincoln King on the fourth line of betting at $12.
And the trainers of both quality stayers are happy with their charges, Stephen Marsh in particular brimming with confidence about Lincoln King.
“I’m really happy with him and can’t fault him,” said Marsh. “He’s bounced out of his last race very well and I thought it was a super run.”
Lincoln King is nosed out by Dragon Storm in the New Zealand Cup. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.Starting at Pukekohe over only 1600 metres, which is way short of his best, the New Zealand Cup runner-up was last on straightening but ran past all but winner Royal Performer in the home straight.
“He’s pretty fit - he doesn’t take a whole heap for a stayer, which is good - and he’s right on track for the Avondale Cup next week.”
Hot jockey Danielle Johnson has been confirmed for the Avondale Cup (2400m) ride and Marsh says there’s a strong chance she will stay aboard for the Auckland Cup (3200m).
Lisa Latta says Platinum Invador is also looking good for the staying features.
Pipped by the smallest of noses possible in the City Of Auckland Cup (2400m) two starts back he did all that Latta expected when, freshened, he ran ninth in the Taranaki Cup on February 6.
Platinum Invador pipped by Savy Yong Blonk in the City of Auckland Cup. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Ridden handier than usual in midfield to make use of a good draw, Platinum Invador found the 1800 metres far too short and was outpaced in the run home.
“He finished about the same distance from the winner as last year (4.9 lengths, compared with 5.4 lengths) and I was happy with the run.”
Ryan Elliot retains the ride next Saturday at Ellerslie where Platinum Invador has turned in his best runs, including a third in the Auckland Cup last year after a rocky run.
Shadow field
The shadow field for the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup is:
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Lisa’s comments
Friday at Awapuni
Race 8: Lincoln Towers
4.53pm
“He needs two more scratchings to make the field and, because it’s the first day back racing at Awapuni and they’re running only 12 horses, that looks doubtful. I decided to run him over 1400 metres as I think leaving him at 1200 wouldn’t be the right thing to do. He has continued to work well and had a really nice gallop on the course proper this week.”
Stephen’s comments
Saturday at Te Rapa
Race 7: Billy Lincoln
3.37pm
“He’s bounced out of his trial (third on the Cambridge synthetic) very well and it’s time to kick him off. I wouldn’t expect him to win at 1200 metres but it will bring him on nicely. Then we’ll step him up to a more suitable 1400 and second-up he can be very competitive. Rihaan Goyaram rides and claims 3kg down to 53.5kg.”