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
Thursday at Otaki
Race 7: Lincoln Falls
4.23pm
“I thought it was a great run at Otaki where he was beaten on the line coming off a one week back-up. He sets up a lot nicer here with 12 days between races. He came through that last run really well and drops down to 53kg. Ace Lawson-Carroll should be able to get into a nice position from the six draw and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right in the finish again.”
Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Wanganui
Race 2: Lincoln’s Kruz
12.45pm
“ I thought he was very gallant last start finishing fifth on a heavy track, which we know doesn’t suit him. We should be running on a track in the soft range on Saturday which I think will play into his favour. He is going to need a touch of luck from the nine draw, but this is certainly the weakest field he has come up against for some time. Ace Lawson-Carroll will ride claiming 2kg.”
Stephen’s comments
Saturday at Te Rapa
Race 1: Billy Lincoln
11.55am
“His work has been good - he galloped beautifully in company last Saturday. It looks like the track will be playing quite well which will really suit him. He’s had a terrific prep and can go out for a spell after this run. I love a horse that keeps improving and he certainly has.”