Lincoln Farms has pair to be reckoned with in Friday’s race named in honour of the Streets

Frankie Major and Lincoln River give Lincoln Farms a strong chance of winning the appropriately named Congratulations John and Lynne Street for 1000 wins Pace at Auckland on Friday night.

The race, in honour of the Streets unprecedented feat of winning 1000 harness and gallops races, features some up-and-coming types but while Frankie Major and Lincoln River are both disadvantaged in the ratings, they have the ability to go close.

Frankie Major’s 72787 formline might look poor but he has roughed it in some much better fields and comes into the race rejuvenated after a five-month break.

After three workouts, trainer Ray Green had been confident of a good showing when he entered the horse for Auckand two weeks ago.

But a precautionary blood test, taken with a few of his stablemates exhibiting signs of a virus, came back poorly so Green pulled him out.

“It showed he had a bit of virus, enough to know he wouldn’t race any good. We were still able to keep working him but he’s missed a trial so he could be a bit below par.

“But he doesn’t need a lot of work, there’s nothing in the field that’s better than him, and he has a good (three) draw.”

Lincoln River … two of his three wins have been at Auckland. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.If lack of race fitness beats Frankie Major, Lincoln River has that covered, having placed in each of his last five starts.

Last week at Cambridge, Lincoln River looked a big winning chance when he launched up the passing lane, only to be outfinished by the far higher rated New York Minute and Rough And Ready.

“He just flattened out that last bit,” Green said. “But it was a good effort being only a three-year-old against tough older horses.”

That race was for rating 50 to 70 pacers, while Friday’s event is capped at rating 58, with the two top rated runners Brookies Jaffa (R58) and Hooray Henry (R57) handicapped on the outside of the gate.

Lincoln River, drawn two on the second row, will need luck himself but Green says he’s pretty happy with the gelding.

“He’s holding his form well and should go another good race. Frankie might be slightly the faster horse but they’re two very different types.”

Incredibly, the two horses have almost identical records, both having won three races and run five seconds in 23 starts.

Green will be hoping for even just average luck for My Copy when he lines up two races earlier.

The four-year-old half brother to champion Copy That hasn’t seen daylight in his last two races, under forcible restraint from driver Fergus Schumacher down the stretch at Cambridge last week.

“He’s been very unlucky but he’s really good, the best he’s ever been.

“He’s raced over 2700 metres only once but I don’t see that as an issue. We’re just hoping for a bit more luck this time.”