Just a walk in the park for Billy and Al says Hayden can take a lot of credit for win No. 20
By Barry Lichter • 26 September 2019
Trainer Al Barnes is looking forward to seeing what Billy Lincoln can do in stronger company after his leg-in-the-air domination at Albion Park today.
Having his first start in Queensland, Billy Lincoln was taken straight to the front by driver Hayden Barnes who never moved on the horse in the run home to win by nearly 10 metres, justifying his $1.22 favouritism.
It was the 20th race Barnes has won for Lincoln Farms this year and one of the easiest, signalling there’s plenty more to come from the Bettor’s Delight three-year-old.
“His heart rate was low afterwards which showed he didn’t have to overly exert himself.
“I know he didn’t run any time but what I liked was how easily he did it.”
Billy Lincoln has gears left as he distances his rivals at Albion Park today.Cruising along in front, Billy Lincoln only had to run his last 800 metres in 58.2 and 400 in 28.6 to down Montana Nights, owned by Al Barnes himself and driven by his other son Brendan. His mile rate for the 2138 metres was a moderate 1:58.7.
“I wasn’t sure how he’d go over 2138 metres, because he wasn’t hitting the line in New Zealand, but he ran it out really strongly.
“Hayden was really happy with the run and that’s great for him because a bit of work and effort on his part has gone into sorting out a few of the horse’s niggles.
“We’ve been working on his confidence to make him feel good about what he’s doing.
“We pulled up his hopples because he was reaching for them in his trial and he had go-straights on to help him balance and keep him off his knee.
“He still did a bit wrong, he was on one rein a bit and ducking in, so he has a lot of improvement in him.”
Billy Lincoln first, daylight second.Barnes says Billy Lincoln will have another couple of easy kills before he faces anything of any consequence, especially after the respect he would gain from today’s annihilation.
“I’m looking forward to him having a harder run to see what he can and can’t do.
“But this time next year we’ll have a different horse on our hands. He’s a big kid at the moment and has a lot of growing up to do.”
Billy Lincoln became the fifth individual winner Barnes has trained for Lincoln Farms after Trojan Banner (7 wins), Lincoln’s Girl (4 wins), Vasari (4 wins) and Northview Hustler (4 wins).
“Now we just have to win with Sir Tiger tomorrow to make everyone happy.”
Sir Tiger races at 4.54pm NZ time.
More news in Harness
Bang! Lincoln Wave’s tyre blows out, startling rival drivers but Alabar win would shock more
Cheapies The Night Fox and Lincoln Maree keep the tally ticking over at Cambridge
Little Missy Lincoln can stand up for herself in Young Guns fillies’ heat on Friday night
Leo poised to roar again - he looks a ratings special at Cambridge on Thursday night
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Leo Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Missy Lincoln, Lincoln Wave, Johnny Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
5.44pm
“From a good front line draw Harry can run off the gate and find the front. He’s shown he’s got the speed to get there. And if he can go 2:42 again, or quicker, I thought he’d be a very good winning chance. It’s an easier field than the one he beat last time. He’s trained well this week.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
6.09pm
“She goes down to Cambridge for the first time so it’s a big drop in class. She also goes a lot better left-handed so I thought from the good draw she could run top three.”
Race 3: Lincoln Maree
6.34pm
“She paced a 1:56.7 mile in beating the amateurs last start but it looks like she’ll need a bit of luck from the draw this time. The two inside her like to lead so she could end up three fence or outside them. I’ll leave it up to Harry to get the right trip.”
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.34pm
“He’s a place chance. He likes bowling along but from five it’s hard to say where he’ll end up. He’s very consistent and he paced 2:42.3 last time so I can absolutely see him in the money.”
Race 6: Lincoln Linda
8.04pm
“She was in a very strong R40 to R48 race last time at Auckland against horses like Alecto, All Of Me and Cyclone Rebel, and she clocked 2:41.1, so back to Cambridge where she won her first race, and a much easier R38 to R40 field, she’s got to be a good winning chance. She’s best in front if Fergie can get there.”
