Ajay Lincoln … finally steps up over a middle distance and gets magic man Chris Johnson again. PHOTO: Royden Williams.
Ajay Lincoln will run better on Wednesday than his formline suggests
By Barry Lichter • 5 February 2019
Ajay Lincoln looks like carrying the Lincoln Farms’ banner solo at Tauherenikau on Wednesday with the expected defection of Authentic Charm.
But while the horse’s form looks woeful, trainer Lisa Latta says to expect a much better run in his first tilt at a middle distance.
Latta is almost certain to scratch Authentic Charm from the second race because it will be too tough for her, drawn nine of 11. Instead she will run the mare on her home track at Awapuni on Friday.
“It’s too hard when you’re drawn out, particularly at Tauherenikau. We’ve been teaching her to go back and relax and she’ll get too far off them from there.’’
Ajay Lincoln will be at long odds in the third race, even with magic rider Chris Johnson aboard, but Latta says he’ll run better than his 998 formline suggests.
“He’s drawn nicely at barrier five and I am looking forward to finally getting him up over a middle distance.
“While he hasn’t shown much so far he hasn’t been stopping and last time Chris rode him he said step him up to 2000 metres straight away.
“He works like a nice stayer and even though he’ll be better when he’s four I want to see him show something.’’
Latta says Johnson reported Ajay Lincoln raced much better in blinkers at his last start.
“He hadn’t been doing things right and didn’t want to be among other horses.’’
The Sebring gelding is bred to show something over ground. He is out of the four-race winning mare Full Of Spirit who bagged the 2012 Group III Adrian Knox (2000m) at Randwick before running fourth in the ATC Oaks (2400m).
“I know he’ll be a lot better when he strengthens up but if he can even weigh in on Wednesday I’d be happy.’’
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Trentham
Race 2: Platinum Tyche
1.05pm
“This is a big drop-back in class for her as her last two races have been very strong rating 75s. The track at Otaki was particularly wet and she just didn’t handle it. She has come through that run in fantastic order and is very bright and well. She shouldn’t be too far off the leaders from the good draw and I expect her to bounce back to form providing we get a decent track.”
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.43pm
“He drew the outside barrier in this race last year and has been dealt the same card again. He couldn’t be looking any better though and his work has been phenomenal. He is right where he needs to be to win a race like this. We are going to need some luck from the draw but Craig Grylls knows him well now and I thought that he is certainly one of the better horses in the race. If he gets clear air at the right time then he will finish with a big run.”