Larry makes it look easy - and there’s plenty more to come, says Al of little speedster
By Barry Lichter • 30 October 2020
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.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.
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.”
