New rider for Billy as Opie struggles to shed weight - but the money’s still come for him
By Barry Lichter • 13 December 2024
The money trail alone says Billy Lincoln can return to top form in the final race at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Bookies yesterday halved the odds for Lincoln Farms’ capable sprinter from their opening quote of $13 to $6.50.
Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, who took Billy Lincoln to Te Rapa for a solo gallop on Tuesday, says the horse will have no excuses.
Marsh thought he had two key advantages - the addition of blinkers and a rider switch to the country’s best jockey Opie Bosson.
But Bosson has since been replaced by Matt Cartwright, after Bosson failed in his bid to ride at 56.5kg, the lightest he has attempted since his recent comeback.
“We would have loved Opie on but 56.5kg was a bit of a stretch for him. He thought he was going to be all right but he couldn’t quite do it.
“But Matt is going very well and we’re lucky to have him on with it being such a big field. Matt rode him on Tuesday and said he felt really good.
“He had a nice hitout in the blinkers and galloped really, really well and pulled up nicely.”
Billy Lincoln was gobbled up only in the last 50 metres last time he raced at Te Rapa, over 100 metres further than today.Hard-fit after four runs back this campaign, BIlly Lincoln drops 100 metres to 1500 metres today, which could be a crucial factor.
The 1600 metre trip proved just beyond Billy on premier day at Pukekohe last start, and at Te Rapa on November 9 when he was gobbled up only 50 metres from the post, just a short head, two long heads and a neck from winner Blue Moon.
On Saturday, while drawn wide in 11, Marsh says he will go forward and put himself on the speed again.
“Hopefully he can get into a nice spot as we do want to see something out of him today.”
Billy Lincoln now sits equal second favourite with Matane on $6, behind the Paul Richards-trained Kealoha ($4.60) whom he beat into second at Pukekohe in April.
Marsh is hoping the fire is just out of the track today, two of his wins having been on good 4 ground. It was a soft 5 this morning but drying and with a clear forecast.