Tommy terrific but he’ll need all the luck just to run a hole at Albion Park on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 9 September 2022
Tommy Lincoln has only six rivals at Albion Park on Saturday night but such is the strength of the field he’ll be doing well just to run top four.
That, despite Tommy having resumed last week with a fine, albeit distant, second to track record-holder Blacksadance.
This week he faces not only Blacksadance, but also former New Zealand Cup winner Cruz Bromac, who is drawn to lead, former Lincoln Farms’ iron horse Northview Hustler and Will The Wizard.
Trainer Mark Dux is under no illusions about the task ahead of Tommy from the middle of the front row.
“But I think he’ll race well - I’m hoping he can run top three, or top four at worst. His run the other night was terrific and it will have done him good.”
In his first start for two months, Tommy enjoyed a one-one sit but still finished 19 metres astern of Blacksadance who clocked a sizzling 1:50.7 mile rate for the 1660 metres.
Tommy clocked closing quarters of 27.42 and 28.35, Dux saying driver Angus Garrard was forced to move three wide at the 400, earlier than he wanted because the one in front of him was going nowhere.
“They’ll run a similar time this week and that means you can’t do that much work in the run and still have a finish.
“It will all come down to how the race is run. If Cruz Bromac holds the lead, and Blacksadance is outside him, we could get the one-one.
“But if Cruz hands up, we’ll have to go four fence. I don’t want Tommy to be sitting parked if they go 1:50 something like last week. But even if we do end up four fence, he could still earn a good cheque.”
Dux said he didn’t believe there was a lot between the seven runners.
“The whole field can run 54 halves. You used to be able to sit in and dash late but you can’t any more because they’re running so fast. They’re running near track record times.
“But Tommy will always be competitive. It’s not often he doesn’t run a good race.”
Blacksadance’s track record mile rate of 1:50 flat was set back in April, when Northview Hustler ran second and Tommy Lincoln fourth from the pole.
Tommy Lincoln races at 11.50pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Over virus and with tighter hopples, Sammy only needs to bring his best behaviour to win
Street hoping King Of Swing colt has inherited some of dad’s speed as well as his good looks
Bags packed for Aussie - Ray’s ‘real racehorse’ Tyson sold to Albion Park boss
Ultimate gear change does the trick for brave little tradesman Lincoln Lover
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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’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.”
