Al: Larry ‘awesome’ and Man Of Action only a pencil line away and a big improver
By Barry Lichter • 18 September 2020
Only the barest of noses spoiled a first-up double for Lincoln Farms’ newcomers to Queensland tonight when Larry Lincoln won and Man Of Action was pipped on the post at Albion Park.
Trainer Al Barnes’ pre-race analysis of what to expect from the pair played out to the letter as Larry Lincoln and Hayden Barnes brained their opposition then Man Of Action and brother Brendan had their race won until the very last stride.
Larry Lincoln strides home to a comfortable win.“Larry was awesome,” said Al Barnes after the little speedster spent much of the race three wide, then parked, yet still got home comfortably by 2.4 metres.
“It was a really good effort as he pulled up really big so there’s plenty of improvement in him.
“We didn’t know how much work he could do because in New Zealand he wasn’t racing tough but he did plenty tonight and won well.
“He had fixed plugs in too so there’s more to come there as well.”
Larry Lincoln had to run only closing sectionals of 57 and 28.9 to score, his overall time for the 1660 metres 1:58.6, a mile rate of 1:55.
While Larry Lincoln goes up four points in the ratings, with a five point three-year-old concession he will get back into the same grade again next week, says Barnes.
There’s only a pencil line between winner Jive, lower, and Man Of Action.So too will Man Of Action who showed terrific gate speed to forge to an early lead, running his first quarter in a rarely beaten 26.8 for that grade.
Man Of Action looked to have the field covered early in the run home but Brendan Barnes reported he waited for them a bit.
“And he didn’t see that one (Jive) coming because it sprinted so quickly.
“Brendan says they won’t be able to sit outside him and beat him because he’ll fight all day but it’s the ones who ping late that can catch him.
“But after that fast first quarter he still ran home in 56.4 and 28.5. And we know he’ll get better as he’s still a bit tubby and he has a few little problems in the back end that we need too fix.”
The race was cut out in a swift 1:57.7, a mile rate of 1:54.1.
Larry Lincoln paid $1.60 to win and Man Of Action $2 to place.
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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.”
