Line Up still under the weather so it’s up to Perfect Stride to strike for Emilio
Classy Lincoln Farms’ colt Line Up will miss Friday night’s $100,000 Young Guns Final at Auckland.
Trainer Ray Green withdrew the super impressive debut winner today, saying he simply hasn’t recovered as well as he’d hoped from the virus which has set back many in his team.
“We just had to flag it with him,’’ says Green. “He’s better but not quite good enough to run. He’s missed too much work and I don’t want to set him back further by racing him when I know he wouldn’t be at his best.’’
Green administered more drugs to Line Up today to help him shake off the bug which has swept Pukekohe stables in recent weeks.
“We’ll just have to wait until the Sires Stakes with him.’’
The first northern heat of that series is run at Cambridge on April 18.
Owner Emilio Rosati had some consolation when his other runner the speedy Perfect Stride drew beautifully in two for Friday night’s final.
Though he too has been under the weather recently, and missed the February 8 heat won by Line Up, and last week’s heat, Green says he’s had a bit more work than the other horse.
“He’ll be competitive and the draw will help him.’’
Green’s only other starter in the final, Sir Tiger, was again out of luck drawing the outside of the eight-horse field.
One inside him, in seven, is the All Stars’ pre-post favourite Smooth Deal.
Lincoln Farms’ sole rep in the Fillies’ Young Guns Final, Hilary Barry will get her chance from the ace draw, with the red hot fancy Sweet On Me on her back.
More news in Harness
Even some minor money would please Ray on what looks to be a tough night at Auckland
This morning’s work like the Nemo of old but Thursday’s draw is more than cruel
Ray: Little Leo’s no star but he’s the kind of horse everybody would love to own
It’s all up to Leo at Cambridge on Thursday night with Cove and Moose on the easy list
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Frisco Bay, Lincoln Cove, Obadiah Dragon, Leo Lincoln, My Copy.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Racer 7: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.51pm NZ time
The horse has improved with his latest run (for second) and the field looks a little weaker this time. Ammicchi and Whata Optimist can fly the gate, so the lead might not be there, but with any sort of trip he should be very competitive again.