Al: US eyes on Billy who’s set a hard task on Friday but will be fitter for last run

The tricky draw, the tough field and the heat mean trainer Al Barnes is hardly brimming with confidence over Billy Lincoln’s chances at Albion Park on Friday.

Barnes says there’s no guarantee Billy Lincoln will find his way to the front this week from five, with fast beginner Nicstar drawn inside him.

And with his conqueror of last week, Joannies Girl, again drawn the pole and an in-form Sea Hawke also in the field, Barnes says Billy will need to turn in a career best performance to come out on top.

“It’s also very hot here. The temperatures have been in the high 30s and, while he’s eating and drinking, his coat has dried out a bit.

“It means you can’t fast work them as hard. Ideally at this time of year I’d give him two or three weeks off and he’s had half a dozen runs anyway so he may be looking for a little freshen up.”

Barnes, however, is also mindful that there’s been interest in buying the horse from the United States so he’s reluctant to have him sitting in the paddock.

“We’ve had an offer but he needs to take a step up. So far he’s beaten nothing but he has run 1:54.3 and I’ve no doubt he’ll keep improving.

“He’s not a high speed horse who can pick them up and put them away and there’s no guarantee he’ll be in front on Friday.”

Joannies Girl sprints past Billy Lincoln last start after enjoying a perfect trail.But Barnes says Billy Lincoln will be fitter for his run last week, his first for a fortnight while he was waiting for Albion Park to reopen after resurfacing.

“We knew he needed the hit-out but he still went well. He probably went a bit hard down the back - he might have been better if saved for the run home.”

Barnes’ son Hayden, however, was left with little choice but to go forward, after Billy came out of the gate under his own steam and was trapped three wide.

He had to use plenty of petrol to reach the front before the bell and had no answer to Joannies Girl when she dashed up the sprint lane from the trail.

Barnes is wary that Nicstar, to be driven by his younger son Brendan on Friday, will have too much gate speed and is tough to go with it. Sea Hawke, and Grant Dixon, are also bound to come calling late.

“It won’t be any easier for us over 2138 metres either. I wish it was only a mile.

“But I’ve got no doubt he’ll earn a cheque, I just don’t know what colour.”

Billy Lincoln has raced six times since arriving in Queensland, the only time he hasn’t finished first or second when all at sea on a stormy night at Redcliffe.

Billy Lincoln races at 7.37pm NZ time at Albion Park on Friday.