Mark not fazed by the big guns, Colt Thirty One and all - Tommy just needs a good trip

At first glance, Tommy Lincoln looks to have a job on his hands taking on Colt Thirty One and co for the first time at Albion Park on Saturday night.

But trainer Mark Dux believes, given a reasonable trip, Lincoln Farms’ new Queensland flagbearer could run top three in the opening race.

“I’m not worried about taking on Colt Thirty One,” says Dux. “The times Tommy’s running suggest he will handle the step-up.

“But it will all come down to the trip he gets.”

Dux doubts that Tommy Lincoln and new driver Shane Graham will cross to the lead from three on the gate.

“They won’t want to take a trial on Blacksadance (pole). He’s not the sort of horse who likes to get on the fence. He’s galloped before when caught on the inside.”

Maywyn’s Best, from six, also likes to lead and could hum the gate, says Dux.

“There will be a lot of speed and pressure off the gate - it won’t be as slow as last week (when Tommy was able to sit parked and win).”

That’s almost certainly because everyone knows long time state champ Colt Thirty One will be off and around the field to capture the death seat.

That’s why Dux believes Tommy Lincoln could get a good trip if he’s able to retain the early parked position.

“If he does, he’ll race well again. I think he could finish top three with a reasonable run.

“Everything’s been good with the horse this week.”

A taxing trip, when Tommy Lincoln sat parked throughout last Saturday and scored his fourth Albion Park win in a mile rate of 1:53.2, did not appear to have taken any toll on the horse, he said.

Early markets have Tommy Lincoln third favourite at $5 behind Crunch Time ($2.70) and Blacksadance ($3.70) with Colt Thirty One next on $5.50.

Former Lincoln Farms’ hero Northview Hustler, in his second run back from a long break, is the equal $34 outsider, having to start from three on the second row over the sprint trip.

Tommy Lincoln races at 7.43pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.