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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

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm

“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”

Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm

“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”

Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm

“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”

Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm

“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm

“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”

Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm

“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”

Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm

“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”

Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm

“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”

Race Images - Harness