Simply Sam has been scratched from Friday night after an abscess burst out of his heel yesterday.
Simply Sam in the wars again so the baton passes to Nirvana Franco on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 9 December 2021
Lincoln Farms’ assault at Auckland on Friday has been blunted by another injury to promising pacer Simply Sam.
Trainer Ray Green had expected Simply Sam to win the ninth race but when he brought him in from the paddock yesterday afternoon one leg had blown up and he was quite lame.
At first Green suspected it must have been a result of the injury he received when he fibrillated at Auckland at his last start, paced roughly and jumped on an ankle.
“He got a cut which we’d been treating - the pastern blew up and we didn’t want it to become infected.
“But when we got the vet today we found an abscess had blown out of his heel. It’s not a disaster and he’ll be all right.
“That might explain his gait issues in the last few weeks. It could have been brewing for a month.
“But he should be even better once this has resolved.”
Nirvana Franco … looks Lincoln Farms’ best chance on Friday night.The baton on Friday will now pass to Nirvana Franco in the third race.
The improving filly had no chance when a first-up ninth after getting back to last from an inside second row draw.
And while she made up useful ground in the run home, driver Maurice McKendry reported she was sucking wind from behind, a not uncommon complaint with mares.
Green has had her stitched up since and driver Zachary Butcher gave her a good tune-up at the Pukekohe workouts last Saturday, keeping her mind on the job in front and right to the line when half a length second to American Legacy.
“She’s starting to wake up and moving to the front row this time is our best chance in the race.”
Honest stablemate Major Grace should also get her chance from two.
“Andrew (Drake) gave her a beaut trip last time but she probably wasn’t quite race fit and is still on the improve.
“She’s very honest and doesn’t do anything wrong but just lacks a yard of speed.”
Louie The Punter should get every show from two in the opening race but will be all out beating the progressive Old Town Road, winner of two of his three starts, the latest in a sub 2:40 time.
“He should still go well, especially if he can lob to the front over 1700 metres,” says Green.
Louie The Punter started out with a big handicap last start from six on the gate from where he ended up at the rear.
Driver Maurice McKendry started his run three wide from the 600 and the three-year-old kept coming, running the fastest last 800 in the race in 56.4 to finish fourth.
Bet On The Tiger … gelded. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Bet On The Tiger will be having his first race for seven weeks in the ninth race and his first since being gelded.
“Apparently the Betting Lines perform better if gelded and while he was never a nasty colt his American owners wanted him gelded.
“He’s put on a lot of weight so I’d say he’s going to need a race or two.”
Bet On The Tiger finished three lengths third behind Abhishek and Simply Sam at the workouts last Saturday.
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Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
5.55pm
“The race never panned out for him on debut, he got too far back from a second row draw, but we’ve got the gun draw and gun driver (Zachary Butcher) on this time. He can run off the gate a bit so I don’t see why he can’t lead. I’d like to think he’s a chance to get some money. He’s been trialling and working well.”
Ray’s tips
Thursday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.41pm
“He missed four or five days work with an abscess in his foot when he came back from Manawatu so he could be a bit short.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.41pm
“She doesn’t handle the bends so well the Auckland way and is just going round to lose points. She’s been crucified by the handicapping system.”
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
6.06pm
“He’s not the finished article yet but he’s slowly getting the hang of it. There are nicer horses in the race than the ones he raced against at Manawatu so I’Il be happy if he can just do everything right and run a slot.”
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.31pm
“She won from a wide draw last time at Manawatu but this is a slightly harder field. She keeps drawing badly and the outside gate might inconvenience her again.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.22pm
“He got pushed out down the back last time because he couldn’t keep up. We had big aspirations for him but it looks like he isn’t as good as we thought. Nothing can beat Marketplace.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
7.54pm
“I’m sure she’s up to them when she’s right but she’s had her setbacks recently. First she tied up and then she kicked out at something and bruised a foot. She’s right now but that will render her not 100% fit.”
Race 9: Lincoln La Moose
9.36pm
“He went good races at Palmy but he pulled far too hard here last time. It was a better run than it looks on paper though as he couldn’t get a run at them in the straight. He’s probably on his mark now and will need a bit of luck.”
