1:52.8 opening salvo by Trojan Banner in the United States and Lincoln’s Girl in again
By Barry Lichter • 8 December 2019
The demand for Lincoln Farms pacers went up another notch when first Trojan Banner then Lincoln’s Girl won in the space of 24 hours in the United States.
Trojan Banner was having his first start in the United States since being sold out of Al Barnes’ Marburg stable in Queensland and lined up a well backed commodity at Dover Downs in Delaware with champion driver Tim Tetrick in the bike.
After drawing the outside of the eight-horse field, Trojan Banner was sixth in the early running before improving to be fourth in the one-one at the 400.
When brought out three wide in the stretch he swept past the former Ken Barron-trained Never Say Never to win decisively in a 1:52.8 mile.
Trained by Jim King jun., Trojan Banner is now raced by Richard Poillucci and JoAnn Looney-King and looks set to pick up where he left off for Barnes, who prepared him to win seven of his 10 starts in Brisbane.
Lincoln’s Girl … four wins in the States from six starts.At Harrah’s in Philadelphia Lincoln’s Girl took a lifetime best when she did it the hard way yet still clocked 1:52.8 in a US$17,000 mile.
Driven by champion Kiwi driver Dexter Dunn Lincoln’s Girl left the gate from four and was third early before easing off the markers to face the breeze for most of the last 800 metres, which was run in a slick 55.
She engaged in a good battle with the favourite Glorious Nite before edging ahead by three-quarters of a length.
It was Lincoln’s Girl’s fourth win from six starts in the States for trainer Josh Green and owners Richard Lombardo and David Kryway.
Barnes, who won five races with the daughter of Sir Lincoln earlier in the year, says the run of success comes as no surprise.
“She was a good mare who was just troubled by her stifles but I always thought she’d do well over there.”
Lincoln’s Girl is out of Tania Tandias, also the dam of Lincoln Road, whom Barnes trains, and Tommy Lincoln, who has just gone for a month’s spell after galloping at Auckland last Friday.
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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.”
