Talented Frisco Bay trials like he’s ready to make waves at Auckland on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 28 August 2024
Trainer Ray Green is looking forward to seeing Frisco Bay back on the track on Friday night after a strong workout win at Pukekohe.
It’s been three months since the Downbytheseaside three-year-old last raced but, based on his prep run alone, he is sure to have plenty of support in the second race at Alexandra Park.
After leading out then trailing last Thursday, Nathan Delany eased out Frisco Bay 400 metres from home to tackle the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained leader Hezasweetie (Zachary Butcher) and was strong to the post to score a one length win.
The gelding’s closing sectionals of 57.7 and 26.8 showed he had lost none of the speed which saw Green rate him potentially the best of his early season two-year-olds before a breathing issue thwarted his preparation.
When Frisco Bay started making a noise in his races and training runs it was discovered that two flaps were obstructing his airway and they were removed with relatively simple surgery.
It took several runs, however, and a few patient drives when Frisco Bay was allowed to gradually work into his races, before he learned his oxygen debt wouldn’t return.
Frisco Bay clocks a slick 2:40.9 winning at Cambridge in April. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.And last time in, Frisco Bay came into his own, competing in strong fields, running fast times, and bagging his maiden win on the Night Of Champions at Cambridge in April in 2:40.9.
Green, who bought Frisco Bay for just $9000 as a weanling, and now races him with Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street, said the horse’s breathing isn’t an issue any more.
“His form just looks bad because he’d had enough at the end of his last prep, but he’d done a good job.
“Frisky could develop into a really nice horse and he’s only got to replicate his workout run to be a chance. He hasn’t got the race fitness of the others but I’m sure he’ll go a good race.”
Green said he couldn’t fault the recent performances of stablemate Obadiah Dragon, drawn alongside Frisco Bay in five.
“There’s not a lot between them. Whichever one gets the best trip will finish closest.
“He’s another who could develop into quite a nice horse.”
Obadiah Dragon continued his run of powerful finishes last week at Auckland, pipping stablemate Lincoln La Moose for fourth behind Upstage. His closing sectionals of 55.9 and 26.7 were the second fastest in the race.
Lincoln Farms’ third runner for the evening, Leo Lincoln in the fourth race, is also resuming from a spell.
“He had a good break and he looks great,” Green said. “He won’t be driven on any search and destroy mission. Maurice (McKendry) will find a nice spot for him and, based on his work and trial, he’ll go a good race.”
Leo Lincoln finished third of three in his Pukekohe heat last Thursday, matching Better Knuckle Up and Mhai Surfer Girl for speed in the run home.
“There are some good ones in the field who are race fit but he’s hardly ever missed a cheque.”
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.26pm
“She had to sit parked most of the way last time but still went well, and that’s what she does. She’s proven to be a very promising filly and, while it’s hard these days to win without a good trip, it’s an even field and she’s a good chance again.”
Race 2: Lincoln Lou
5.55pm
“He probably cost himself a win last week by going roughly, but he can do that. If he’d got Frisco Bay’s trip he would have won with his closing quarters of 56 and 27 the fastest in the race. He’s just got to do things right to be the one to beat, even from the bad draw, as it’s an easier field.”
Race 5: Frisco Bay
7.30pm
“He’s up in grade a bit but I don’t think there’s anything between them. He’s just got to get the right run and, with his speed, he’ll be right in it.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.59pm
“He’s no superstar but he’s very honest and he’s always a place chance as he’s a tough bugger, he sat parked last week.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.59pm
“With a similar run to last week, he’d be right in it. He clocked 55.8 and 27.7, doing his best work at the finish. He hasn’t gone a bad race since he’s come back.”
Race 8: Prince Lincoln
8.59pm
“I wasn’t expecting him to do anything on debut as he’s a green, young horse. But he went very well so he’s obviously lifted his game for the occasion. And he’s trained on even better so the experience has enhanced him. From the inside he has to be a good chance.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.59pm
“She’s definitely a better animal left-handed but she was passable right-handed and should go better this time. She’s got some speed.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.59pm
“She’s a nice filly but is behind the others. I don’t expect her to beat anything but she needs the experience.”
Race 8: Lincoln Linda
8.59pm
“There won’t be any shadows for her to jump this time so she has to be a serious chance. She’d been dominant at the workouts and trials before her debut but didn’t get the chance to show her true worth.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.59pm
“Fergie was quite impressed with him on debut and requested the drive again. He finished on strongly up the lane and should go well again. He just needs some luck from the outside of the gate.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 3: Argyle
9.04pm NZ time
“I thought his last two starts have been terrific. There’s no doubt this race is tougher, and he has trickier draw, but I was talking to Angus last night and he was quite upbeat about his chances. He said the horse gave him a good feel when he sat parked two starts back and he picked him too (in the draft). But it won’t be easy. There could be a bit of pressure early. I think he’ll come out and see what unfolds and, if there is too much pressure, he’ll drive him quietly.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Manawatu
Race 1: Onyx Shard
5.29pm
“You can put a line through her last run at Cambridge when she pulled up showing signs of a respiratory infection. She had a couple of weeks off after that and, while she hasn’t trialled since, she’s been training down nicely. She’s a nice filly and from the good draw should really win.”
Race 3: Lincoln La Moose
6.19pm
“He wasn’t far away in the amateur race at Auckland last time despite jumping a shadow early and galloping. This is a decent drop in class for him and he should be very competitive.
