Man Of Action is not even out of third gear for Zachary Butcher at Cambridge last night. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Auckland next for Man Of Action after he sleep walks his way to easy Cambridge win
By Barry Lichter • 11 January 2020
Man Of Action will get his chance against better opposition at Auckland next Friday after he scored easily in little more than a training exercise at Cambridge last night.
Man Of Action, whose half brother Make Way races at Menangle tonight, always had the race in safe keeping, strolling to an early lead and cruising home in a sedate mile of 1:59.1.
Driver Zachary Butcher had only to reel off closing sectionals of 59.5 and 28.1 to win by three-quarters of a length, runner-up Delightful Catherine getting so close only because he was sleep-walking.
“He did what we expected and did it well,” said trainer Ray Green. “It was just a glorified Saturday workout for him.
“Zac said he only did what he had to. He pulled the plugs and had to shake him up the last bit because they were all coming. But he said he was just loafing and was never going to get beaten.
“We’ll back him up at Auckland next week and hope he keeps improving but he should go well. He nearly won there last prep and is far stronger now.”
Last night’s win took Man Of Action’s record to one win and three placings from seven starts, his $5130 stake boosting his bankroll to $11,295 for one of Lincoln Farms’ largest partnerships.
The group includes many of the Christchurch owners who enjoyed success with Lincoln Farms’ Beaudiene Western, who was sold for big money to Perth in late 2018 - Steve Beckett, Kevin Bell, Michael Brerton, Marilyn Brown, Brian Rabbitt and his sister Margaret and the 23-strong Green Machine Syndicate, all Marist rugby mates.
Also joining Lincoln Farms’ John and Lynne Street among the partners are the Chissos and Wack syndicate comprising Mangawhai brothers Duncan, John and Dave Chisholm and their golfing mate Warwick Orr, all of whom share in the fun of racing Man Of Action’s half brother Make Way.
Man Of Action, by champion stallion Bettor’s Delight, is an all Woodlands Stud product being the fifth foal of it’s successful broodmare Grace Way.
Her four earlier progeny were Three Ways (17 wins), Forgotten Highway (7 wins), Shanway (6 wins) and Make Way (13 wins) who are all racing successfully in Australia.
More news in Harness
Draw against Jessie Lincoln on debut but she’s the best of the four fillies in Lincoln green
You’ve got it wrong, Green tells bookies of Debbie Lincoln’s $61 price for Nevele R Final
With a little more room, look for Tyson to land another knockout blow at Auckland on Friday
Dreams Of Eric passes Ashburton test with flying colours; he eats up being drilled
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday at Addington
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
4.03pm
“She’s drawn out but I think she’s got the gate speed to be put into the race. You’ve got to be handy to beat the good ones and we don’t want to be stuck behind some of the others. The one drawn two inside us, Arafura, looks the one to beat but Debbie is as good as anything in the race in my opinion. It’s not going to be easy but I’m hopeful. She’s done well down here and is in good shape.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 5: Im Not The Maid
6.17pm
“The draw helps and while she’s very honest she still needs to improve. Gary Hall said she was a bit stop-start last time but he cut corners and wasn’t too far away at the finish. He reckoned his toe rope broke at the top of the straight.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
7.49pm
“She showed no speed when resuming and it’s hard to see her playing a part in this.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
7.49pm
“She went the best of them last time, was hampered turning or home, and could improve.”
Race 8: Jessie Lincoln
7.49pm
“She’s a big filly but so far, so good. There are a few negatives, like the second row draw and it being her first time under lights, but I think she could go quite well. It’s not a wonderful lot against her and she’s training well.”
Race 8: Lincoln’s Spice
7.49pm
“She over-raced early first-up and burned herself out. She’s a delicate little thing but we’ll put some plugs in her this week. Last time in I thought she could be the best of them. Whether the others have caught her up or she’s gone backwards I don’t know.”
