Al does it again with Lincoln’s Girl - and reinforcements arrive in the form of Hustler
By Barry Lichter • 3 May 2019
Lincoln’s Girl’s decisive win at Albion Park today has given trainer Al Barnes plenty of confidence that she can win at distances further than a mile.
In her first start back in the draw, Lincoln Farms’ filly cruised home by 1.6 metres for driver Hayden Barnes in a 1:55.5 mile rate for the 1660 metres to beat Timeless Appeal and the favourite Ark Me.
But it wasn’t so much the time - she paced a lot quicker in two runs last week when banished out of the draw for galloping - rather the way she settled in the running that Barnes says will stand to her over 2138 metres.
“When she first came over here I thought she’d just be a miler because she seemed to over-race that much.
“But Hayden said she settled fantastically. She’s a different horse in front, she drops the bit and relaxes.
“From what I saw today I’m happy she’ll run out 2100 metres no worries. And she’s still learning.’’
Barnes says he was surprised Lincoln’s Girl was able to get the front today.
“Hayden said she didn’t feel super out of the gate so he didn’t push her, just kept her balanced.’’
Third early, Hayden made his move after a few hundred metres and was surprised when he ranged alongside the leader Timeless Appeal that her driver was happy to hand up a round from home.
“But she’d worked a bit harder than usual and she’s not the strongest horse.’’
Lincoln’s Girl is going strongly at the finish, easily holding her rivals.Beautifully rated over the last lap, Lincoln’s Girl clocked a third quarter of 28.8 before scooting home in 28.4.
“Hayden just let her run up the straight and said she was doing it comfortably. She could have gone quicker - but they don’t pay out on times. It was more about keeping her settled and relaxed.’’
And while Lincoln’s Girl took a while to recover from the run - she tends to get herself worked up a bit - Barnes says she’ll be right back on her game in a couple of days.
“She’s a great eater and has great energy. If I had to back her up two or three days later she’d do it.
“The two runs last week actually sharpened her up. I thought they might take the edge off her but they didn’t. She was very bright this week.’’
Barnes says with that kind of constitution it won’t be any trouble for Lincoln’s Girl to race every week.
“And even though she won A$3400 today she can still start in a maiden race next week. Our system’s changing but she still goes up only two ratings points.’’
Barnes says his enviable strike rate now of seven wins from 10 starts with Lincoln’s Girl and the unbeaten Trojan Banner is down to Lincoln Farms sending him the right kind of horses who can be well placed to win.
“It makes it easier to get up in the morning when I’ve got these horses to train.’’
Where am I? Hustler checks out his new home in Marburg.Hustler arrives
Awaiting him tomorrow morning for the first time will be Lincoln Farms’ top pacer Northview Hustler, who arrived in Brisbane today.
“He’s a racy looking type and was out in the paddock today having a good pick of grass.
“I’ll give him Saturday and Sunday off so he can relax and look to trial him on Tuesday week.
“I’m sure Ray (Green) has him ready to go but we’re targeting the bigger races and have time up our sleeve.
“It will take him a bit of time to acclimatise anyway. We’re coming into winter but it was still warm and muggy today and he has no rug on tonight.
“He’ll tell us when he’s ready.’’
More news in Harness
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
