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Bob Best with Double Or Nothing when he was racing from Lincoln Farms’ Pukekohe stable.

So long Louie, we’ll miss you, but we know you’ll do a good job in the States

Double Or Nothing has been sold and will not race at Albion Park on Saturday night.

But the horse could be seen in Queensland for a few more starts with local trainer Alan Grimsey before flying out to the United States in April.

Lincoln Farms’ trainer Al Barnes completed the deal today, one which brings to a close a fairly profitable innings for his owners John and Lynne Street, Rod and Sue Fleming, Neville McAlister and Auckland veteran Bob Best.

A favourite of Best, ‘Louie’ won only three of his 27 races but along with 10 seconds, five thirds and six fourths earned A$49,458 in stakes.

The rangy Sweet Lou gelding, who clocked a mile rate of 1:53.4 for 1660 metres when pipped a neck earlier this month, is expected to do well in the States with his high gate speed and front-running style.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
5.33pm

“He hasn’t raced for more than four months but he’s trotting well in training and has had a couple of workouts. He steps well so if Fergie can keep him away from the others, and he slides on from the 20 metre mark, he could even lead, and that would make him the one to beat. It doesn’t take much for him to lose concentration though.”

Race 4: Lincoln La Moose
6.23pm

“He hasn’t raced for a while but should go well. He finished off his workout really well on a 26.9 quarter for a close fourth behind some good ones (Greased Lightnin, Beetastic and Diamonds Are Forever). He beat himself in his last few runs by racing too keenly but he’s capable enough.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.30pm

“She went to the line under a hold last week. She’s right up there with the best of them but you’re no chance when you get back like that. She hasn’t got a good draw again but it’s a small field and hopefully they won’t walk and only sprint home. Joyride looks the one to beat.”

Race 3: Tyson
6.23pm

“He was definitely beaten by the draw last week. He never got the chance to get out. From five this time he won’t get jammed up and can go forward and put himself in the race.”

Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.52pm

“Sugar Ray has a tad more speed than Kevin, but he had to sit parked for the last 1200 metres last week. You’d think he’ll get a good trip this time from the inside draw.”

Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.52pm

“Kevin is as honest as they come. He’s a bit more genuine than Sugar Ray. He closed fast from the back last Friday and is better suited over 2200 metres this week.”

Dan Costello Race Photography