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
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
Pole goes on The Night Fox - now he just needs a little luck from a niggly draw on Friday night
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
