Stephen: Lincoln King’s going gangbusters and will be right in the Metrop on Saturday
By Barry Lichter • 4 November 2021
Expect Lincoln King’s $9 quote for the New Zealand Cup to be slashed after Saturday’s $75,000 Metropolitan Trophy at Riccarton.
Trainer Stephen Marsh says the horse is going gangbusters and, even though he has been aimed solely at the 3200 metre cup on November 13, he wouldn’t be surprised to see him win on Saturday with the step-up to 2500 metres.
“Everything has gone perfectly for him this preparation and he’s got better with each run.
“The four draw is beautiful this week and he maps to get a lovely run. I certainly think he’s a top three chance and it wouldn’t surprise me if he won.”
Marsh says he wasn’t worried about Lincoln King’s first two runs down south when ninth over 1800 metres and 2000 metres, and it was only when he put blinkers back on the horse for the Spring Classic that he wanted to see some major improvement.
“The blinkers were a big help. He’s just so laid back he could go backwards without them. But he ran a nice fourth last time and got no (penalty) points so it was perfect.
Premiership leader Danielle Johnson reunites with Lincoln King at Riccarton on Saturday. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.“It’s penalty free on Saturday, Danielle (Johnson) is back on, and he’ll show even more form this time then he’ll be absolutely perfect on cup day.”
Lincoln King comes up against the three horses ahead of him in the cup market in the Metrop but Marsh isn’t worried.
He says Southern Ocean has yet to win past 2000 metres and is getting up in the weights now too, carrying 57kg on Saturday compared with Lincoln King’s 54.5kg, the same as he had when photo-finished in the cup last year by Dragon Storm.
Marsh believes landing a good draw in the cup will be crucial for Lincoln King.
“He drew 14 last year but I’d love to see him draw a better barrier to possie up a bit handier and go to sleep.”
Lincoln King, who has opened at $6 and $2.30, ran fourth in the Metrop last year beaten only a length and two half heads.
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Stephen’s comments
Saturday at Pukekohe
Race 5: Billy Lincoln
2.15pm
“He’s drawn beautifully in barrier one with top hoop Kevin Stott to ride and he’s fitter for his three runs back. I think he’ll race very well and is a nice each-way chance. But it’s a very good field - the favouritre Arabian Songbird they think is one out of the box and my other horse Bourbon Empress is also going very well. Put him in your trifectas and first fours. I think he’ll be right there.”