Mark thrilled as Tommy trials in a sizzling 1:52.1 - running clear of a NZ Cup winner
By Barry Lichter • 17 August 2022
Trainer Mark Dux is eagerly studying the programme guide to find the right race for Tommy Lincoln after his outstanding trial at Albion Park on Tuesday.
Having his first serious hit-out since last racing on July 2, Tommy Lincoln took an early trail in his four-horse heat over 1660 metres, before easing out 400 metres from home and running clear of former New Zealand Cup winner Cruz Bromac to win by 8.3 metres.
Most impressive of all, Tommy clocked a sizzling mile rate of 1:52.1, closing in slick sectionals of 56.1 and 26.7.
“He was really good,” Dux said. “Cruz Bromac is no slug so he’s obviously in fine fettle.
“He wasn’t out there to run time but you can only do what the leader wants to.”
Dux said he was really happy with the way Tommy had come up after a week’s break.
“He needed a freshen up - he’d had some tough racing.”
Angus Garrard has driven Tommy Lincoln to three of his six wins in Brisbane. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Other factors had also played against the horse on his last prep, like the persistent run of wet weather which saw him unable to work the horse properly.
“We also had trouble getting the right races for him during the carnival. But most of the top (interstate) horses have gone home now.”
Driver Angus Garrard was moved to declare after the heat that Tommy Lincoln one of the best going round in the state given the feel the horse gave him.
Dux said it didn’t surprise him how forward Tommy was despite not having raced for nearly two months.
“He gets himself fitter faster than most horses. He’s not one to pussy foot around - he gets in and wants to do it.
“I’m really happy with him, and he’s pulled up terrific, but I’d like to start him in a mile if I can and next week’s race is over 2138 metres.
“I might wait a week and give him another trial. We’ll drive him cold - it will do his confidence good to travel nicely and dash the last bit.
“I’ll see what races are on in the next month and work out a plan.”
In 28 starts in Queensland Tommy Lincoln has racked up six wins and six placings for A$68,808 in stakes.
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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.
