
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
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.
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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.”

