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Larry Lincoln toying with his rivals last start. PHOTO: Dan Costello.

Second row draws make it harder but Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln can earn cheques

Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln have both drawn the second row at Albion Park on Tuesday but trainer Al Barnes still labels them good each way chances.

Man Of Action is on the quick back-up after running a brave third last Thursday when he sat parked on a 1:54.4 mile rate and was still punching at the line.

The consistent gelding finished only 4.7 metres from winner Notorious, running good closing sectionals of 55.89 and 27.86.

“He’s pretty tough,” says Barnes. “He’ll handle as much as we throw at him.

“It’s a pretty even field but he’s up to those horses. He shouldn’t be too far off them when they settle and will be running on.

“If they get a little luck both he and Larry Lincoln could bob up and win.”

Larry Lincoln, who humbled a rating 51 to 55 field last week, starts one race later in a 53 to 60 race, the sole runner on the second line with the early defection of Jay Dee Be Rollin.

Larry Lincoln scored his third win from only five starts in Queensland on October 30, driver Hayden Barnes gradually working his way to the lead before sprinting clear in the home stretch.

He looked to have plenty in reserve in clocking a 1:54.1 mile rate, seven metres clear of his nearest rival.

Barnes says having discovered Larry is best driven more quietly, his son Hayden was likely to come off the markers and bide his time.

“There’s a bit of speed in the race, with quite a few go-forward horses, so they’ll be running.

“It’s a very even race. Rocks Or Diamonds is flying and Remember Me Now is going better than his form reads but Larry will be competitive and I think he can earn a cheque. He’s going really well and keeps improving.

“I think he’ll be close enough to come with one closing shot at them.”

Man Of Action races at 6.38pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.Man Of Action races at 6.38pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.Larry Lincoln races at 7.17pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.Larry Lincoln races at 7.17pm NZ time at Albion Park on Tuesday.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 7: Im Not The Maid
8.15pm

“She couldn’t knick off a perfect trip last time in the amateur race so I won’t be holding my breath here.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.53pm

“It looks like it will be a replica of his last two runs. He needs to drop down a class.”

Race 2: Kevin Kline
5.53pm

“I think he’lll go another good race but you couldn’t make a case for him to beat the two favourites (American Me or Mantra Blue). If he ran third, I’d be rapt. He’s very genuine and his form reflects that.”

Race 3: The Rascal
6.24pm

“We’ve chucked him in the deep end - he’s a maiden against race winners - but he’s improving all the time. Fergy had difficulty steering him last time and said if he could have got him out, he would have won. We’ve made little changes to his gear this time and I think he’s a serious contender.”

Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.26pm

“He feels super in his work. I’m really pleased with him. I know he hasn’t lived up to his early promise but the way he’s training he might now be ready to realise it.”

Race 9: Dreams Of Eric
9.32pm

“He wasn’t handling the right-handed going so well, which was why he switched to racing at Cambridge, but he’s a genuine little guy, a strong colt with a bit of speed. I think he’s a chance, it’s just the draw, but it’s only a small field.”

Dan Costello Race Photography