Bug takes Lincoln Farms babies out and Cambridge has snotty noses and coughs too
By Barry Lichter • 1 February 2022
The annual round of bugs has hit northern stables with Lincoln Farms forced to withdraw Frankie Major, Lincoln River and Beaudiene Rocknroll from racing at Auckland on Thursday night.
And further south in Cambridge, snotty noses and coughs are also appearing, Nicky Chilcott taking out talented trotter Sacred Mountain from her engagement at Alexandra Park after she was scoped and was full of mucous.
Co-trainer Andrew Drake says he noticed all was not well with the two-year-olds before they were due to work this morning and he called a vet to check them out.
“Nearly all the horses on the farm have crusty noses now. Superfast Ninja isn’t that bad yet but I might end up having to scratch her too.
“It happens every year with the heat and the dust. Hopefully it will last only a short time and the two-year-olds will be good to go next week.” A $20,000 Young Guns heat is carded on Magic Millions night, Saturday February 12.
Drake says at least the two-year-old’s symptoms appeared before the races, rather than having them perform below their best, which is what happened to some of the team at Cambridge last week.
“We found after his race that Bet On The Tiger had a virus.”
Just 79 horses are carded to run at Auckland on Thursday night.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.39pm
“Harry did exactly what I wanted last week - to keep him covered up and to hit the line well - and he was happy with the run. This time I’ll tell him to cut loose and hopefully he’ll be in front. He’s training really well so is a definite each-way chance and potential winner.”
Race 7: Im Not The Maid
7.56pm
“She looks well and healthy but we’re not expecting anything wonderful from her in her first start since July.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Maree
6.42pm
“She’s stronger this time in so I don’t think she’ll break again, like in her first two starts. She’ll go as good as she can.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.42pm
“Last time in I’d have said she was the best of our fillies but I’m not so sure now. All three are on a par. She tries hard and does everything right.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.42pm
“She was nowhere near ready when I lined her up earlier in the year. It was only to get the races off the ground. She’s honest but I don’t have high expectations.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.39pm
“He needs to be in the open but from that draw I’m not holding my breath he’ll get a good trip.”
