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 Waverley
Race 5: Lincoln Towers
2.58pm
“I am really happy with him at the moment, his work has been superb. We ended up injecting his knees and he worked great on the course proper on Tuesday morning. He should be very competitive in a field like this but my biggest concern is how much rain is in the forecast. I would be reluctant to start him if the track got to be really wet as we know he has never gone very well on heavy tracks.”