Two Lincolns will be outsiders but, given the right footing, they can sneak some money

At first glance neither Lincoln Star - form 6890 - nor Lincoln Hills - form 5960 - would seem to have any chance in Saturday’s strong premier fields at Hastings.

But when you analyse why their recent performances have been below par, you’ll understand why trainer Lisa Latta thinks both can be competitive.

Boil it down and the main contributor to their form slumps has been the one thing Latta can’t control - the weather.

Lincoln Star’s misses were all down to “bottomless heavy tracks” through May and June when the Savabeel gelding’s consistent record sank in the mud.

And his latest duck egg, at Hastings on August 31, came fresh-up for two months when rider Robbie Hannam was forced to snag him back to the rear “after drawing the car park.”

Lincoln Star was clear only in the last 200 metres and, despite having to shift ground 100 metres from home, closed well to finish only five lengths from winner Spring Bouquet.

Latta reports Lincoln Star has trained on well and should get his chance on Saturday from gate seven over his preferred 1600 metres.

Lincoln Hills … needs the track in the worse-than-dead to slow range to produce his best. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Despite the wild weather of the last few days, the Hastings track was only a slow 7 this morning, a surface which would be ideal for Lincoln Hills in the second race.

Latta is hoping that even with no rain forecast until late Saturday, the track won’t improve too much given the cold conditions.

For Lincoln Hills is very picky on the going which he chooses to lets down on - too hard and he doesn’t hit out and too heavy and he can’t cope.

“If they raced on it right now that would be perfect for him,” says Latta. “The worse side of dead to the slow range is what he needs and any rain on the day helps too.”

The All Too Hard gelding’s form franks that assessment.

* Last time at Hastings Lincoln Hills didn’t like hearing the sound of his hoofbeats on a good 3, and was trapped three wide as well.

* Two starts back, also at Hastings, things were a little better for him in the Swiss Ace Trophy when on a dead 4 he came with a strong run from well back for sixth, only four lengths from Burgundy Belle, despite carrying 60kg.

* Three starts back he never raised a gallop on a heavy 10 at Riccarton.

“He is out of his class on Saturday but he gets in nicely at the weights and it’s a small field,” says Latta.

“His work has been very good since his last run and the step back in distance and speed in the race will both suit him. He should hit the line strongly.”