Robbie Hannam salutes on brave debut winner Lincoln Green. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.
Robbie: There’s so much more to come from Lincoln Green - he’ll make a lovely stayer
By Barry Lichter • 10 April 2019
“There’s so much more to come as he’s still in learning mode.’’
With those few words rider Robbie Hannam paints an exciting picture of Lincoln Farms’ newest budding stayer Lincoln Green.
The Ferlax three-year-old got his career off to a perfect start when he led all the way over 1400 metres at Otaki today, winning a tight home stretch duel like a seasoned pro not the greenhorn that he is.
“He’s a nice big horse with a beautiful action and big stride and is going to make a lovely stayer,’’ said Hannam.
“He’s got a lot more there - I could feel he wasn’t giving me everything - but he’s still learning.
“Big horses like him take time and they repay you if you give it to them.’’
Lincoln Green, inner, fights hard to stave off Shebringsmerubies at Otaki today. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Hannam said trainer Lisa Latta really liked Lincoln Green and had been ultra patient with the horse.
‘He’s never been rushed. Everything’s been taken slowly with him.’’
While Latta was keen for him to ride the horse off the speed and give him cover, Hannam said he took the initiative when Lincoln Green jumped well and there wasn’t much early pace.
“If he’d had a better draw I could have ridden him midfield but I did a bit of study on the field and there wasn’t a lot of speed in it.
“He really enjoyed himself in front - I rode him like that at the trials - and turning for home I knew they’d sprint as the sectionals were on the slow side of even.
“I have him a couple of quick ones on the backside turning in and he really picked up.
“That other horse (Shebringsmerubies) came up outside me and headed me but the further they went, the better he went.’’
At the post Lincoln Green held a half head margin, with a further length and a quarter to the favourite Welcome Back.
“He did a few things wrong earlier on but today he ticked all the boxes - and did it easily.
“He wouldn’t have learned a lot being in front but we’ve got the maiden win now and next time in rating 65 I can give him a bit of a smother and teach him a bit.’’
Lincoln Green is the first foal of the Iglesia mare Sophia’s Dream who won three of her only 12 races.
He cost Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street just $28,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Festival yearling sale in 2017.
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Te Rapa
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.38pm
“His was a huge run last start on an off track which we know he doesn’t like. He bounced through that run in superb order and he couldn’t be looking any better. This is the first time he has stepped up past 1200 metres but he is ready for it now. He is going to get a nice economical run from three and he shouldn’t be too far from the leaders as they turn for home. He is more than capable of running a big race and I expect him to run a lot better than his odds of $23. Jonathan Riddell is back on board.”