Simply Sam is the class horse of the field at Shepparton, says trainer Ray Green.
Unlucky Sam simply should be too classy at Shepparton on Friday night, wide draw and all
By Barry Lichter • 14 September 2022
Simply Sam had a virtual no-race at Ballarat last week but Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green is expecting him to win at Shepparton on Friday night.
Not even the extreme outside draw dents Green’s confidence for the 1690 metre sprint.
“The draw’s no worry as he always gets back. And it’s only a small field.
“He’s the class horse of the field - there won’t be anything like him in there.”
The race, for rating 65 to 79 horses, has drawn a moderate line-up and Green doesn’t believe the short trip will disadvantage Simply Sam either.
“He’s got a lot of speed and he should win. He’ll be a bit tighter, though he was in good shape going into last week’s race.”
Simply Sam never had a chance to show his wares in the Holloway Classic, snookered four deep, in a race still subject to an investigation by Victorian stewards.
Even though the winner Captain Ravishing scorched over his last 800 metres in an unheard of 52.8 and 400 in 25.1, the overall time for the 2200 metres was only a 1:59.2 mile rate after an early dawdle.
“It wasn’t much of a race for us at all,” Green said.
Best of Simply Sam’s rivals on Friday looks to be the sole second row runner, Queensland visitor Dangerzone, winner of seven of his 17 starts but only seventh in the Queensland Derby.
The others claim only country wins in their form lines:
* Former Kiwi High Flying Harry has won only two of his eight starts in Australia, both at Shepparton.
* Harness MIllions winner Aladdin has two Charlton wins to his credit and one at Mildura.
* Villacci has raced 26 times since his last win at Bendigo a year ago and
* Ozzie Joy’s form has been at Cobram, Mildura and Swan Hill.
Shepparton is a 1000 metre left-handed track, with a 200 metre home straight.
Simply Sam races at 11.29pm NZ time at Shepparton on Friday night.
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Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
5.55pm
“The race never panned out for him on debut, he got too far back from a second row draw, but we’ve got the gun draw and gun driver (Zachary Butcher) on this time. He can run off the gate a bit so I don’t see why he can’t lead. I’d like to think he’s a chance to get some money. He’s been trialling and working well.”
Ray’s tips
Thursday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.41pm
“He missed four or five days work with an abscess in his foot when he came back from Manawatu so he could be a bit short.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.41pm
“She doesn’t handle the bends so well the Auckland way and is just going round to lose points. She’s been crucified by the handicapping system.”
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
6.06pm
“He’s not the finished article yet but he’s slowly getting the hang of it. There are nicer horses in the race than the ones he raced against at Manawatu so I’Il be happy if he can just do everything right and run a slot.”
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.31pm
“She won from a wide draw last time at Manawatu but this is a slightly harder field. She keeps drawing badly and the outside gate might inconvenience her again.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.22pm
“He got pushed out down the back last time because he couldn’t keep up. We had big aspirations for him but it looks like he isn’t as good as we thought. Nothing can beat Marketplace.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
7.54pm
“I’m sure she’s up to them when she’s right but she’s had her setbacks recently. First she tied up and then she kicked out at something and bruised a foot. She’s right now but that will render her not 100% fit.”
Race 9: Lincoln La Moose
9.36pm
“He went good races at Palmy but he pulled far too hard here last time. It was a better run than it looks on paper though as he couldn’t get a run at them in the straight. He’s probably on his mark now and will need a bit of luck.”
