Enjoying the win, Excell syndicate members, from left, Christine Stuart, Margaret Rabbitt, Christine Rupp and Lynda Irwin-Parsons.
Loyal supporters share in the thrill of Lou’s first win - thanks to a pearler from Andre
By Barry Lichter • 9 March 2024
Some of Lincoln Farms’ most loyal supporters shared in the excitement of Lincoln Lou’s first win at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
Thanks to a great tactical drive by Andre Poutama, Excell syndicate boss Christine Stuart found herself making another speech in the hospitality room after Lincoln Lou stole the second race with some pedestrian sectionals.
The 10-member group of women, all originally from Hunua, who got together 20 years ago to outdo their husbands, who were involved in racing syndicates, have raced numerous winners since in partnership with Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street.
Lincoln Farms’ owner John Street, left, with one of his partners Phil Kelly pose with Lincoln Lou.And joining them in this latest colt are also long-time Lincoln Farms partners from the South Island, the Green Machine Racing syndicate and the Athenry syndicate, along with the Cantabrians Plus One syndicate, Margaret and Alana Rabbitt, Brad Baine, Phil Kelly and David Turner.
Stuart thanked Turner, in particular, as one of the Auckland Trotting Club stewards who always made them feel welcome in their post-race celebrations.
The group didn’t have to wait long for Lincoln Lou to salute the judge, the little colt triumphing in only his second start and first at Alexandra Park.
Trainer Ray Green wasn’t in the least bit surprised by the early success, after his solid debut at Cambridge when the fancied Tony Herlihy pair of Great White and Roy Kent bettered him in what was only a sprint home.
“I thought he was a chance if he led tonight but I did wonder what Andre was doing when he went round the field. But as it turned out, it was the winning move.”
Poutama quickly extricated himself from fourth on the markers and moseyed forward during a sedate 33.4 second quarter to take up the running at the bell.
And after he was allowed to crawl through the next 400 down the back in only 32.1, his rivals were really up against it as he motored home in a 27.9 quarter.
Lincoln Lou (Andre Poutama) has plenty in reserve to beat Sadhaka. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.“He did it easily in the end,” Poutama said. “And there was still a wee bit there at the finish.”
Lincoln Lou only had to run the 1700 metres in 2:09.1, a mile rate of 2:02.2 to score by half a length from the trailing Sadhaka and southern debutant Justyouwait who sprinted fast and late down the outside.
Lincoln Farms paid $40,000 for the Sweet Lou colt as a yearling, familiar with his family having previously raced (Let’s) Strike The Gold for 15 wins here and in Australia.
But by far the most famous of dam Sea The Gold’s progeny was (The) Gold Ace who won 22 races including six Group One features.
Lincoln Farms went back to the well last month buying his Downbytheseaside half brother for $62,500.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.26pm
“She had to sit parked most of the way last time but still went well, and that’s what she does. She’s proven to be a very promising filly and, while it’s hard these days to win without a good trip, it’s an even field and she’s a good chance again.”
Race 2: Lincoln Lou
5.55pm
“He probably cost himself a win last week by going roughly, but he can do that. If he’d got Frisco Bay’s trip he would have won with his closing quarters of 56 and 27 the fastest in the race. He’s just got to do things right to be the one to beat, even from the bad draw, as it’s an easier field.”
Race 5: Frisco Bay
7.30pm
“He’s up in grade a bit but I don’t think there’s anything between them. He’s just got to get the right run and, with his speed, he’ll be right in it.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.59pm
“He’s no superstar but he’s very honest and he’s always a place chance as he’s a tough bugger, he sat parked last week.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.59pm
“With a similar run to last week, he’d be right in it. He clocked 55.8 and 27.7, doing his best work at the finish. He hasn’t gone a bad race since he’s come back.”
Race 8: Prince Lincoln
8.59pm
“I wasn’t expecting him to do anything on debut as he’s a green, young horse. But he went very well so he’s obviously lifted his game for the occasion. And he’s trained on even better so the experience has enhanced him. From the inside he has to be a good chance.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.59pm
“She’s definitely a better animal left-handed but she was passable right-handed and should go better this time. She’s got some speed.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.59pm
“She’s a nice filly but is behind the others. I don’t expect her to beat anything but she needs the experience.”
Race 8: Lincoln Linda
8.59pm
“There won’t be any shadows for her to jump this time so she has to be a serious chance. She’d been dominant at the workouts and trials before her debut but didn’t get the chance to show her true worth.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.59pm
“Fergie was quite impressed with him on debut and requested the drive again. He finished on strongly up the lane and should go well again. He just needs some luck from the outside of the gate.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 3: Argyle
9.04pm NZ time
“I thought his last two starts have been terrific. There’s no doubt this race is tougher, and he has trickier draw, but I was talking to Angus last night and he was quite upbeat about his chances. He said the horse gave him a good feel when he sat parked two starts back and he picked him too (in the draft). But it won’t be easy. There could be a bit of pressure early. I think he’ll come out and see what unfolds and, if there is too much pressure, he’ll drive him quietly.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Manawatu
Race 1: Onyx Shard
5.29pm
“You can put a line through her last run at Cambridge when she pulled up showing signs of a respiratory infection. She had a couple of weeks off after that and, while she hasn’t trialled since, she’s been training down nicely. She’s a nice filly and from the good draw should really win.”
Race 3: Lincoln La Moose
6.19pm
“He wasn’t far away in the amateur race at Auckland last time despite jumping a shadow early and galloping. This is a decent drop in class for him and he should be very competitive.
