Watching brief for baffled Ray who puts Tyson squarely in the green corner for Cambridge
He might be dropping in company but trainer Ray Green says he wouldn’t be rushing in to back Tyson at Cambridge on Friday night.
“He’s got me baffled at he moment so I want to see him go round again first,” says Green.
“He didn’t even go up to the gate last time at Auckland, which he did one day at the trials here.”
The Art Major colt, who struck trouble when the subject of a plunge on debut at Cambridge on July 5, was once again heavily backed in the two-year-old event at Alexandra Park on July 12 but never raised hopes.
Reluctant to score up, he was three lengths off the arm on dispatch, tailed the field throughout, paced roughly round the home turn and only battled up the straight to run last behind Always Be Misty and Turn O The Tide.
A shadow of the horse who beat that pair at the Pukekohe workouts in June, Tyson did little to impress driver Tony Herlihy.
“Tony said he’s got a lot to learn, so I’m putting it down to inexperience, but I know he’s a lot better than that.
“I’ve made a few minor gear changes including a different bit and, while it’s obviously a lot weaker bunch, he’s drawn out a bit and will need luck.”
Green says Lincoln La Moose is also a watch only in the sixth race from wide on the front line.
“We knew he was short of race fitness when he resumed and I think he’ll need another one.
“Seven is a tough draw even when you’re on your game.”
Lincoln La Moose, an impressive debut winner at Cambridge in March, was fresh off a two and a half month spell when he ran at Auckland on July 12, and after going back from his wide draw, was buried back on the fence and never in the hunt.
Commander Lincoln also returns to the scene of his sole win but Green isn’t too keen on his chances.
A battling fourth last time in an amateur event at Auckland, he switches to a junior drivers’ race but Green says Fergus Schumacher will have his work cut out.
“He’s an honest trooper - there are worse horses than him - but he needs a good trip and a lot of luck as he lacks a yard of speed.”
More news in Harness
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Ray’s swift-footed cheapie Frisco Bay eyes $35,000 stake of Metro Final next Friday
Talented Frisco Bay trials like he’s ready to make waves at Auckland on Friday night
Lincoln Farms welcomes back Copy That and latest reports positive about The Big Lebowski
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
![Ray Green](/site/assets/files/14856/af3f0a01e1378786b459d9096eaec4d6.200x200-u1i1s1q90f1.jpg)
Ray’s comments
Tuesday night at Cambridge
Race 6: Commander Lincoln
7.37pm
“He finished on well in the amateur drivers’ race last time but this will be a lot tougher for him. From two he should get a good trip and we’ll just hope for some milk money.”
Race 6: Im Not The Maid
7.37pm
“She’s surprised me, she’s developed into a better horse than I expected and is racing really well. She showed good gate speed to lead from six last time so it should be more of the same from three. It’s a better field this time but the 1700 metres will suit her and so will Todd Mitchell.”
![Ray Green](/site/assets/files/14856/af3f0a01e1378786b459d9096eaec4d6.200x200-u1i1s1q90f1.jpg)
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Lincoln La Moose
6.27pm
“Pulling that flat tyre last time definitely would have made it harder for him so it was a good effort to run a close fourth. He’ll get his chance from the inside draw.”
Race 2: Obadiah Dragon
6.27pm
“He could be our best of the night. He’s been going good races all along and has just got back a bit too far in some of them. He closed very well last week and gets a better draw this time.”
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
6.27pm
“He got blown out of it last time with two checks, which was so annoying when he was in the one-one. Prior to that he’d hardly ever missed a cheque. He has a tricky draw to overcome.”
Race 4: Frisco Bay
7.30pm
“Last week he showed he’s up with the nice three-year-olds. He’d have to beat this lot to really stamp himself but I’m hoping he can pick up some of the money. On paper, barrier four gives him an advantage on the favourites.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.20pm
“He was very wide most of the way last time and was closing better than anything in the race. He trialled well last week. He’s coming to it and getting stronger as he matures.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lou
8.20pm
“The outside draw makes it very difficult for him but he’s a good little horse who is getting stronger all the time.”