Tommy Lincoln powers home for a close last-start third behind Manila Playboy and Northview Hustler.
Tommy’s racing super and early fireworks likely at Albion Park on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 3 March 2023
Tommy Lincoln is racing right at the top of his game but his chances at Albion Park on Saturday night will hinge squarely on what happens in the first few hundred metres.
Two weeks ago, as a $51 outsider, Tommy overcame a second row draw to power up the sprint lane for a close third in a sizzling 1:52.59 mile rate for the 1660 metres.
This time he moves up to what appears to be a good front row draw over 2138 metres but, with fast beginner Rock Bottom drawn the pole, trainer Mark Dux says crossing to the front won’t be a given.
“It would be lovely if we could lead out then hand to Turn It Up. If we can get on his back we could run a good second, if not test him.
“But I’m not confident we can cross. Rock Bottom has good gate speed and we’ve had to sit outside him before.”
Dux knows it won’t be easy getting on top of Rock Bottom given he is a stablemate of Turn It Up but says Tommy will get nothing if you try to drag him back and he starts over-racing.
“So we’ll go forward and just play it by ear. He’s racing super so we’ll give him his chance.”
On the other hand, it will be steady-as-she-goes with Captain Nemo earlier in the night when he tackles a strong field in the third race as the lowest equal rated horse.
“This is a tough race for him and he’ll find it hard. I would have kept him for Tuesday instead but those races haven’t been getting off the ground.
“There are a couple in here that ran second and third in the free-for-all last week (Cardlesfromheaven and Star Galleria).”
Captain Nemo’s form has dropped right away in his last three starts but Dux says he’s had “a couple of average trips”.
“I reckon we’ll come out steady on him this week and let him do his own thing. He’s better driven that way.
“I’m happy with his work and, even though it’s a tough field, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran a good race.”
Captain Nemo races at 9.41pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Tommy Lincoln races at 12.45am at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Our runners this week
Friday night at Cambridge
Lincoln Lover, Prince Lincoln, Debbie Lincoln, Lincoln Lou, Sugar Ray Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.44pm
“Fergie’s drive on Sunday was perfect, you couldn’t ask for better, and he said the horse was doing his best work in the last 50 metres. Maybe with another 100 metres he might have got there. His gate speed is only OK so I can see him getting crossed here.”
Race 5: Kevin Kline
6.19pm
“Fergie said he did it easily on the first day, and the horse only did what he had to. He’s been racing much nicer horses at Auckland so it was good to get the win, hopefully it will boost his confidence. I’ll leave the tactics up to Fergie but I imagine he’ll probably do the same thing again, loop the field and outstay them.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
6.54pm
“I was hoping she’d drop down a grade. She’s had some tough trips recently, having to do a lot of work, and it didn’t help being three wide for the last lap on the first day. Also they only walked and sprinted home. She could be better coming with one run at them.”
