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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

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.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.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.

Our runners this week

Friday night at Auckland

What’s Up The Hill.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Tuesday twilight at Manawatu

Race 3: Onyx Shard
5.09pm

“She’s working really well and, from the good draw, hopefully she can run a drum. The field’s not that much harder than the one she beat last time at Manawatu (when parked for the last lap).”

Race 3: Kevin Kline
5.09pm

“We’re very happy with him - he’s come back a better horse. He went well at Auckland last start and is working well. We’ll be looking to go forward from the gate and hopefully get a gun run through behind Onyx Shard. On ability, he’s the better chance of the two.”

Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.39pm

“He stepped like a bullet in his first go from a stand here in March. I thought he’d do the same on the second day but he galloped. We’ve got an overcheck on and hopple shorteners on Tuesday so he should make a good beginning. If he can step and lead, then maybe take a trail, he should be hard to beat. He likes it down there where the track is quite soft.”

Whales Harness