Princess Amelie and Lincoln Hills trial nicely in preparation for Hastings next month

Speedy sprinters Princess Amelie and Lincoln Hills showed they were coming up well for Lincoln Farms with a tidy trial at Otaki yesterday.

The pair contested an open 1000 metre heat, on a heavy 10 track, with Princess Amelie jumping straight onto the speed for jockey Ryan Bishop, sitting outside the pacemaking half million dollar earner Shadows Cast.

The mare quickened nicely turning for home and went to the line without being asked to do a lot to finish one and a half lengths from Shadows Cast.

Trainer Lisa Latta said Princess Amelie had a good blow afterwards and Bishop reported she felt good all the way.

“She will head to the Levin jumpouts on August 26 before resuming at Hastings on the September 19.”

Stablemate Lincoln Hills, who is also being aimed at Hastings, ran only fourth of five but also caught the eye, finishing only three lengths from the winner.

Rider Jonathan Riddell was content to travel three back on the fence but, when he angled the horse out in the stretch, he found a nice kick to challenge at the 200.

“He just came to end of his run at the 100m (pipped for third) but wasn’t asked to do a lot,” Latta said. “That will really bring him on as he had a good blow.”

Shadows Cast ran the trip in 1:01.9, the fastest of the day at the distance.

Progressive three-year-old Platinum Rain was under a good hold at the finish of his 1000 metre heat.

“He settled nicely in midfield and got a nice run along the fence to finish third. It was a very nice trial and to see him finish it off the way he did was very pleasing.

“He had a nice blow so he has a lot of improvement in him. He also will need another jumpout or trial.”

Platinum Rain was just half a length and a short head from winner A Box Of Tricks, trained by Bryce Newman, who clocked 1:02.9.

Six-year-old Lincoln Star, who hasn’t raced for seven months and is carrying a lot of condition, beat only one home in his open 1000 metre heat but Latta wasn’t disappointed.

“The time off has certainly done him good as he looks a lot stronger.

“He got back second to last, with no pace on, but quickened up nicely out wide and was put under no pressure.

“He will also head to Levin jumpouts on the 26th.”

The heat was won by Josh Shaw’s Somewhere Man in 1:03.33.