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.
More news in Harness
Cloud over Angelic Copy again - bug threatens to force her out on Friday night at Auckland
Phone home - ET trotter Whats Up The Hill blasts off with narrow Escape at Auckland
Ray needs good results from blood test and gear change to repel southern fillies’ charge
Fergie takes the initiative and Onyx Shard delivers again for the galloping buddies
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
What’s Up The Hill.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
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.”
