Cyclone Oma as it appears today, lurking off the coast of Brisbane.
Trainer reassures: Cyclone Oma can’t touch my two new Kiwi imports
By Barry Lichter • 22 February 2019
With a cyclone bearing down on Queensland, trainer Al Barnes has reassured Lincoln Farms bosses that new arrivals Trojan Banner and Lincoln’s Girl are out of harm’s way.
Al Barnes … excited about the futures for Trojan Banner and Lincoln’s Girl.Barnes reports the pair are in safe and spacious boxes so will be amply protected should Tropical Cyclone Oma turn nasty.
But latest reports today say places like Barnes’ Marburg stables, 60km inland of Brisbane, should escape too much damage with the cyclone just downgraded to a category one system.
Severe weather warnings are still in place as the slow moving system lingers 700km north east of Brisbane.
Lincoln’s Girl pictured in her safe surroundings at Marburg today.Barnes says both Trojan Banner and Lincoln’s Girl have got over the colds which affected them soon after their arrival at the start of the month.
“Trojan Banner will be at the trials in two or three weeks.’’
Lincoln’s Girl, who is in the early stages of a new campaign, will take a little longer to hit the racetrack.
Barnes says he is excited to have two such quality horses join his barn and expects they will do a great job for Lincoln Farms and its partners.
Trojan Banner tucking into his feed today. He is over his cold and will be trialling in a couple of weeks.Lincoln Road on highway to the top
Barnes, who is helped by his partner Cassie Saunders and sons Hayden and Brendan, are enjoying a terrific run at present with another Lincoln Farms graduate, Lincoln Road, who was bought in a package deal with Blue Glory last year.
Lincoln Road has started 11 times in Queensland and has won seven of his last eight starts, scoring recent back-to-back wins at Albion Park on February 8 and 16.
He posted a mile rate of 1:54.8 in winning over 1660 metres and 1:57.9 when scoring over 2138 metres, winning with authority both times.
(Miss) Blue Glory has also come good, scoring on February 12 in her seventh local start.
More news in Harness
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Reformed filly Lincoln Linda strolls to easy win - and Ray says it won’t be her last
Over virus and with tighter hopples, Sammy only needs to bring his best behaviour to win
Street hoping King Of Swing colt has inherited some of dad’s speed as well as his good looks
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
