Joey’s fine out in six and should dispatch poor lot when he debuts in Brisbane on Thursday

Don’t let the six alley put you off backing Joey Lincoln when he debuts at Albion Park on Thursday afternoon.

Lincoln Farms’ trainer Al Barnes was actually happy to see the Sweet Lou three-year-old draw out in the second race and is confident he can open his career on a winning note.

“We know he’s got speed out of the gate but he doesn’t have to be hustled and bustled from out there,” says Barnes. “Hayden can do his own thing, let him balance up, then slide forward and find his way to the top.”

Joey Lincoln, who was to have his final hit-out this morning, can be expected to line up an even more confident horse than the one who qualified at first time of asking on March 31, says Barnes.

That day Hayden Barnes allowed him to find his feet before moving up to lead after about 200 metres. He was untested after that and went to the line comfortably by five metres in a very fast 1:55.5 mile rate for the 1660 metres.

Joey Lincoln was timed over his last 800 metres in 56.5, without even having his ear plugs pulled, a sectional which Barnes believes none of his rivals can match.

While none of his opposition have shown that kind of ability Barnes says he doubts there will be a cheap early lead for Joey.

“Edd Bailey, who drives Four By Four, is aggressive and I’m not sure whether he’d take a sit.

“But whether Joey gets to the front or not doesn’t really matter, there’s nothing in the field that can run a half like him.

“He’s definitely improved since the trial and is a pretty casual little fella who’s happy and content.

“He’s just got to do everything right and we’re pretty confident he can win. That was our goal, to win first-up with him.”

Joey Lincoln (Zachary Butcher) running along in front in one of his five workouts at Pukekohe.Joey Lincoln, a $14,000 weanling buy for Lincoln Farms, had five workouts at Pukekohe before being exported to Queensland, showing a little speed but not much stickability.

Given plenty of time to strengthen up by Barnes he now looks ready to be a racehorse and will take centre stage on Thursday with Lincoln Farms’ New Zealand team sidelined during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A brief rundown of Joey’s rivals:

1. Arkady: Distant fourth in slow time on debut for Grant Dixon at Redcliffe after enjoying the one-one. Ace draw helps.
2. Western Showgirl: Only placing in eight starts was at Redcliffe three starts back when nosed out in 2:00.3 mile rate.
3. Four By Four: Placed six times from 13 starts, one of them at Albion Park when the winner paced a mile rate of 1:55.7. Drawn to lead out and should run top three.
4. Betterthandiamonds: First start for seven months but placed in fast trial two weeks ago. Would have a much better record than two placings in eight starts but habitually broke in score-up and raced fiercely last campaign.
5. Illuminoscity: Best effort in three starts was two back when she led from the ace and ran fourth at Redcliffe.
6. Joey Lincoln: Qualified in a very smart 1:55.5 mile rate over this trip on March 31. Stands out a mile on paper.
7. Illbewatching: Placed once from 16 starts and never in the money at Albion Park.
8. Mac Sweeney: Likes to lead but can’t from inside second row. Zero from four.
9. Lanoch Boy: Seven placings from 18 starts, all in easier company and slow times at Redcliffe and Marburg.
10. Maywyn Troubadour: Well down the track in his four trials, last time finishing 65 metres behind Joey Lincoln.

Joey Lincoln debuts at Albion Park at 2.12pm NZ time on Thursday.