Lincoln’s Kruz and JKB Riddell good looking combo for Otaki on Thursday

Anyone watching the horses in the birdcage before the fifth race at Otaki on Thursday will latch on to Lincoln’s Kruz without even knowing his excellent credentials.

Lincoln Farms’ impressive black is looking “absolutely fantastic” according to trainer Lisa Latta, who says he is glowing, with his summer coat all but through.

But the five-year-old’s good looks and great condition aren’t the only things going for him on Thursday - everything points to his being the one to beat.

LAST START

Lincoln’s Kruz was having only his second run of a new campaign when he lined up at Woodville on October 22.

It followed his fresh-up run at Hastings when Latta says “everything went wrong” - he blundered at the start, was trapped three wide in the running, raced too keenly and petered out over the 1300 metres.

But a month later it was a different story and, despite making the final turn awkwardly, when Jonathan Riddell boldly drove him into a tight gap against the fence 300 metres from home he looked a likely winner.

Unluckily, the horse outside him, Ansu, ducked in when hit with the whip at the 250, checking Lincoln’s Kruz and jostling with him for several strides.

Losing crucial momentum, it was enough for Riddell to tell Latta afterwards that it cost him a win, Lincoln’s Kruz beaten just a short neck at the line.

Lincoln’s Kruz and Jonathan Riddell after their electric 56.47 win at Wairarapa in January. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.TRACK CONDITION

Lincoln’s Kruz has struck slow 8 and slow 9 tracks in both his runs this prep, but looks like getting his more favoured dead conditions at Otaki.

The track rating this morning has already come back to a dead 6, going which Latta says will suit him perfectly.

“The ground at Woodville last start was drying out but he’s definitely better on dead footing.”

Lincoln’s Kruz has so far won on good 3 footing at Wairarapa and dead 4 ground at Trentham.

DRAW AND RIDER

Lincoln’s Kruz jumped from gates eight and seven in his last two starts but lands the ace on Thursday, from where he should enjoy an economical run.

The last time he drew the inside he won, with Riddell on board, a rider at the top of his game and lying eighth equal on the jockeys’ premiership.

TRACKWORK

Latta reports the Kuroshio gelding has been working well since his last run. On Tuesday, he galloped on a good plough at Awapuni with his better performed stablemate Father Lenihan, staying on terms throughout 1000 metres in 1.08.4, the last 600 in 38.3.

Latta is tipping Lincoln’s Kruz to turn in a very good effort on Thursday, fitter third-up and in a race already depleted by the scratching of in-form topweight Gee String.

“It’s quite an even field but there’s nothing to be scared of. Jonathan only needs some luck in the running to be hard to beat.”

Lincoln Farms’ two other runners are expected to benefit from the run, Father Lenihan fresh-up for more than six months in the Raukawa Cup and three-year-old Sir Prancealot gelding Platinum Assault drawn wide on debut in the sixth race.