Menu

Larry makes it look easy - and there’s plenty more to come, says Al of little speedster

Larry Lincoln should win plenty more races in Brisbane the way he scored at Albion Park tonight, tips trainer Al Barnes.

The Sweet Lou three-year-old made it three wins from five starts for Lincoln Farms since arriving in Queensland two months ago when he led virtually all the way to score as he liked.

And in downing Toanui Spirit by seven metres, Larry clocked a swift 1:54.1 mile rate for the 1660 metres, 3.4 seconds faster than he recorded in winning last week.

“He’s still improving,” said Barnes. “His heart rate was still high afterwards tonight - he took a few races to recover.

“He’s only going to get better and better and should work his way through the grades.

“He’ll be a 60-rater now but with a five point three-year-old concession he’ll drop to 55 and can get in a 50 to 55 race, which is like racing maidens and one-win horses.”

Larry Lincoln opens up in the straight to score an easy win.Larry Lincoln opens up in the straight to score an easy win.Barnes was impressed by the ease of Larry Lincoln’s win tonight.

“Hayden said he did it comfortably, well within himself. He got his own way and was able to deal in front.

“Admittedly it wasn’t a strong field, if anything it was a bit of a drop in grade on last week, which helped. And I think he might prefer miles rather than longer trips.”

Larry has been beaten in Brisbane only twice, both times when racing over 2138 metres.

“He’s got good speed and is very honest so he’ll win plenty more.

“I liked him from the moment he started trialling here. He’s just needed time to put it all together.”

Barnes’ recent move not to burn Larry out of the gate has also worked a treat, Hayden letting him come out under his own steam before working forward to the lead.

And from there Larry made it look easy, reeling off a 56.2 last half and 27.9 final quarter to return a healthy $3.10 win dividend.

Larry Lincoln’s Australian bank balance now stands at A$11,095.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 2: Colonel Lincoln
5.23pm

“He’s come through his two runs well and we can be bolder with him from a front row draw.”

Race 2: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.23pm

“He’s in good shape and you can’t fault what he’s doing. I don’t think the (seven) draw should make a lot of difference - he’s been parked in his last two and still got money. You wouldn’t take a trifecta without putting him in.”

Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.23pm

“He’s racing really well and just needs a bit of luck from the second row. He’s trained on well and should go well again. ”

Race 4: Rivergirl Bella
6.27pm

“She only has a little sprint but, if she doesn’t have to do too much, she can get home well.”

Race 4: Jessie Lincoln
6.27pm

“She’ll win a race or two, and will get one soon as she’s honest, but she’s still very green. And to be fair to her, she hasn’t had a decent enough run where you can really judge her yet.”

Race 8: Lincoln Wave
8.38pm

“Based on the draws, Sammy looks a better chance than Lincoln Wave. Not many win from out there, especially in a Group I race. But I suppose he had a similar draw at Cambridge (six) and got lucky (squeezing into the trail when Nymbal broke) so you never know what can happen. It won’t be easy for him but it would be nice to see him get a good trip as I think he’ll handle the 2700 metres as well as the others.”

Race 8: Sammy Lincoln
8.38pm

“If he can hold up, that would be marvellous as if anything can give Jumal a fright, it’s him. I know he’s still a maiden but he’s better than most of them ability-wise. He’s a classy big bugger who is very fast and if he ends up on Jumal’s back he’d be dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the fray as he has such a lot of ability.”

Rac e 10: Prince Lincoln
9.37pm

“If the real Prince Lincoln turned up he’d be in the money, but you never know with him.”

Dan Costello Race Photography