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.
More news in Harness
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
