The Big Lebowski’s a big dude all right and he’ll be a good replacement for sold pair
By Barry Lichter • 15 May 2023
Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green has said goodbye to two of his team and welcomed an interesting newcomer from the south.
Neptune and Next To Me, who flew to Australia yesterday, have been sold and will do their future racing in New South Wales, while The Big Lebowski will make his northern debut on Friday night at Alexandra Park.
The latest pacer to be sent north to Green by owners Merv and Meg Butterworth, The Big Lebowski has won his last two starts at Wyndham and Invercargill.
With a form line this prep of 4434211 for trainer Robin Swain, the Mach Three six-year-old looks to be just coming to it, says Green.
“He looks like a useful horse. He fronted up to some pretty good horses at the weekend and was right there with them.”
In a 2500 metre stand heat at Friday’s Pukekohe workouts, The Big Lebowski finished only a nose and three-quarters of a length behind Kango and Old Town Road, kicking on strongly to finish ahead of Chimichurri, with closing sectionals of 57.1 and 27.8.
A rating 66 horse, he will give Lincoln Farms a strong two-pronged attack in an intermediate field on Friday, along with Simply Sam.
Neptune downs Lincoln River at Auckland. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.Green is predicting good futures in Australia for both Neptune and Next To Me.
Three-year-old Neptune, the winner of two of his 15 starts, and $31,638, last scored at Auckland last December, beating stablemate Lincoln River.
“He’s always had a bit of speed and his manners are good. He still hasn’t quite matured but he should go well in Australia.
“He’ll fit in well over there. It will be far easier to place him. You win a couple of races here and straight away you run into far better performed horses.”
Monika Ranger brings Next To Me back to scale at Cambridge. PHOTO: Chanelle Lawson.Next To Me’s big asset will be his early speed and toughness.
“He’s an honest little fellow. You can put him in the race, which is a good asset to have in Australia, and he’s fairly tough, he can make his own luck.”
The four-year-old Bettor’s Delight - Splendid Deal gelding won only one of his 16 starts, not living up to the ability of his brother Maxim, who banked $510,151.
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday at Auckland
Race 2: Colonel Lincoln
3.39pm
“He’s a beautiful horse, and a quality mover, who’s finally demonstrating his ability. He’s done a lot of work and has had a good, solid build-up so he’ll cop a bit of racing now and I don’t see why he won’t be in it again.”
Race 2: Frisco Bay
3.39pm
“If you put him in front or in the breeze he over-races. He needs a run where he can relax in behind - every time he’s got a two-hole trip he’s won. He’s a bit one-dimensional in that respect but he’s got a lot of speed and, if he’d drawn better, I’d have labelled him.”
Race 3: Lincoln Lou
4.04pm
“On paper, he should be favourite. You can’t fault that last run in the Golden Gait and if he repeats that he’s the one to beat. He seems to be back to where we had him before. He’s been incredibly unlucky in a lot of his races. We don’t need good luck, we’re just looking for no bad luck.”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
4.04pm
“I can’t see him beating our other two. I don’t think we’ll see the best of him until well into his three-year-old year. He’s a big, rangy, slow developing horse. We’ll race him on Tuesday then give him a bit of a break.”
Race 3: Debbie Lincoln
4.04pm
“I know this is a step-up in grade, and she’s drawn the outside, but I’ve got a feeling she could be up to it. Her driver, Maurice McKendry, is very enthusiastic about her and he’s no fool. He’s been happy every time he’s sat behind her. She keeps getting better and potentially could be a high class three-year-old filly. I’m quite excited about her.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
4.30pm
“He won’t burn off any quick beginners but he showed he could hold his own from the inside when he won two starts back. He’s just got to do it without doing anything tricky. He can pace roughly, he’s not the complete package yet, but when the penny drops he’ll be a serious horse.”
Race 9: The Big Lebowski
7.17pm
“I wasn’t disappointed with his last run. It’s hard to win those races from long back marks at Cambridge - Copy That had to go a New Zealand record to do it. He’s as good as he can be at the moment but these are the best horses in commission and we’ll be grateful for what we can get.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.38pm
“She can get some of it. She has a good draw so should get a good trip. She’s training on well.”
Race 4: Commander Lincoln
7.09pm
“The draw doesn’t matter with him as he’s not one to leave the gate. I thought he went super last time. He got home really well and was unlucky not to run second or even win.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
8.33pm
“Forget that last run. He half choked when Zac tried to restrain him and started pulling. He’s got a better draw this time, should hop straight into the trail, and hopefully get home as well as when he won the time before.”
