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Lincoln’s Girl unleashes nice sprint in preparation for Cambridge

Lincoln’s Girl looked well primed to resume at Cambridge on Thursday night when she unleashed a nice late sprint at the Pukekohe workouts today.

Driver Zachary Butcher restrained Lincoln’s Girl to the rear of the five-horse field, was still there 200 metres from home, and flashed home wide out with an impressive turn of foot to finish a close-up fourth.

With winner Gooddealehemily credited with a 27.3 last quarter, Lincoln’s Girl must have clocked 27 or better.

Lincoln’s Girl, winner of two of her four starts, has not raced for four and a half months but after five workouts this preparation, she looks ready to rumble.

Stablemate Abraham led out in the same 2050 metre heat, then trailed, but weakened in the run home and, while shaken up by Andre Poutama, ran last.

Beaudiene all the way

Beaudiene Western looked very sharp in his 2050 metre heat. Sent to an early lead, he sprinted five lengths clear 400 metres from home and held on well to beat the fast-finishing Ivana Flybye. His overall time was 2:36.4, with his closing sectionals in 58 and 27.9.

Mathew not all the way

Mathew James contested a 2050 metre qualifying trial and got out well from three on the gate to lead. He was under pressure turning for home when challenged and only battled into third behind Diamondsrbettor. He still paced 2:37.1, five seconds under the qualifying time.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm

“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”

Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm

“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”

Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm

“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm

“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”

Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm

“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”

Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm

“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”

Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm

“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”

Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm

“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”

Race Images - Harness