
Trainer Ray Green and driver Maurice McKendry compare notes on Sugar Ray Lincoln’s run.
Unanimous decision by Ray and Maurice - Sugar Ray’s the real deal all right
He didn’t win - but you wouldn’t have known it judging by the way trainer Ray Green and driver Maurice McKendry were talking.
That Sugar Ray Lincoln had inherited plenty of older brother Copy That’s rare ability was not in doubt when the pair shared their views on the merit of his run for second at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
Sugar Ray Lincoln, second from right, fights back for second.Forced to sit parked for the last lap after an aborted attack for the front, Sugar Ray boxed on bravely to fight his way into second, running a mile rate of 1:57.5, five seconds faster than his stablemate Lincoln Lou clocked in winning a couple of races earlier.
“He’s serious, the real deal,” McKendry said. “And once he learns what to do after a few runs we’ll see a very nice horse.”
Green was thrilled with the debut performance and the way McKendry handled the inexperienced colt, giving him just one little tap up the home straight.
“Coming across the top I thought if he ran third it would be a good run,” Green said.
But Sugar Ray did better than that, outmuscling by a head the favourite I Got Chills who had denied him the lead in their stoush just before the bell.
I Got Chills and Zachary Butcher say no to Maurice McKendry and Sugar Ray Lincoln as they come looking for the lead a lap from home.“We buzzed a bit there,” said McKendry who came out from three pegs to avoid being trapped.
Asked by Green if the two-year-old paced well, McKendry relied yes, barring a brief few steps soon after the start.
Forced to ease the colt when eventual winner Confederate managed to squeeze into the trail ahead of him, McKendry said Sugar Ray got a bit bunched up. “He went rough, put in a funny wee step, and touched the cart.”
When prompted that he might need his cart hitched further out, Green noted Sugar Ray was well on his way to growing into a nice, big horse.
“He’s come to it quickly, hasn’t he Ray,” McKendry said. “He went 1:59 the other day and tonight he’s down to 1:57.5.”
McKendry brings Sugar Ray back after his terrific debut.Green delighted in answering McKendry when asked how much the horse cost: “We got him for $60,000. I thought he was the best colt in the sale and would be $300,000. But people don’t think lightning can strike twice in the same place.”
Sugar Ray, with earnings of $2325, still has a way to go yet, however, before he catches his older brother Copy That, winner of 33 races and more than $2 million.
More news in Harness
Leo Lincoln close to a win: Watch how he copped it early last time at Manawatu
Consisent little Lincoln Lou sold to Western Australia to join fellow ex-Kiwis
Kevin Kline caps record day for Casey and loyal Lincoln Farms’ team - and can repeat
It’s bon voyage Frisky as Ray celebrates another rags to riches sale success
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate 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.”

Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Lover
5.33pm
“He had no chance last start when trapped three wide all the way. That won’t happen this time from the inside draw so that gives him a chance to get some of it.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.33pm
“He’s shown no gate speed so the wide draw doesn’t matter. He’s coming along all right but will need lots of luck against the hot pots.”
Race 5: Debbie Lincoln
6.54pm
“She seems to have overcome her tying-up issue, her bloods are good, and she’s training well again. She could possibly be underdone and the seven draw makes it very hard.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lou
7.20pm
Scratched. Sold to Western Australia.

Ray’s comments
Sunday at Manawatu
Race 1: What’s Up The Hill
3.16pm
“He’s a work in progress. He just needs more practice - you don’t learn much at the trials with only two or three horses. If he trots the whole way, he should be in the money.”
Race 4: Onyx Shard
4.38pm
“We drove her more quietly last time and she finished very well. She got sucked along and did nothing, finishing with plenty of gas in the tank. Ideally she’ll be driven like that again.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
5.33pm
“He had his legs taken right out from under him on the first turn last time. He’s racing very well and should be in the money again for sure.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
5.33pm
“We’ve scratched him. He has an abscess in a foot and is quite tender on it.”