Lincoln Fury (Robbie Hannam) finishes strongly for a fresh-up win at Otaki. PHOTO: Race Images.
Robbie: That’s more like it and now that Lincoln Fury’s stronger he should go on with it
By Barry Lichter • 21 December 2019
Lincoln Fury might not have lived up to expectations last season but rider Robbie Hannam is predicting better things to come from the horse after his upset fresh-up win at Otaki on Friday.
Relishing the slow 9 footing, Lincoln Fury maintained a strong run from the rear to easily hold Deep Blue and Not Santa in the 1600 metre Christmas Cup at the lucrative price of $15.
It was more like what Hannam and trainer Lisa Latta were expecting in his last campaign when he managed just one win and three placings from 11 starts.
“I thought he could be a derby contender last season but he never strengthened up,” said Hannam.
“When the pressure went on he wasn’t strong enough to give the extra that we thought he had.
“But time has been his friend and he was really strong to the line. He was doing his best work in the last 100 metres so staying is going to be his forte.”
Hannam revealed Lincoln Fury was also much more tractable with blinkers on.
“Without blinkers he’s a little reluctant to go past horses. But he’s so much better with blinkers on, they help him concentrate and he attacks and fights them.”
Robbie Hannam brings Lincoln Fury, sporting blinkers, back to scale. PHOTO: Race Images.Hannam and Latta were expecting a good run from the All Too Hard four-year-old in his first race for nearly seven months because he’d performed well in two jumpouts despite not wearing blinkers.
“He’d been trialling up well and improved with each one.”
Hannam said his instructions were to ride Lincoln Fury wide out, because nothing was winning against the fence in the conditions, and in midfield.
“But I couldn’t get in so I went back a spot.”
Third last and three wide, Lincoln Fury started his move 1000 metres from home.
“Between the 1000 metres and the 600 metres we cruised up quietly. I managed to tag on to another horse and he dragged me right into the race.”
Lincoln Fury was widest turning for home but kept up a strong gallop to get home by three-quarters of a length.
“There’s no doubt he likes the sting out of the ground but I think he’ll go on a firm track too,” Hannam said.