
Double Or Nothing and Zachary Butcher know how to find the winner’s circle at Cambridge. PHOTO: Phil Williams.
Back to Cambridge, from a good draw, Double Or Nothing will be hard to run down
Double Or Nothing looks an each way chance at Cambridge on Thursday when he will relish the huge drop in class.
The consistent pacer’s form line might look a little shaky but his last two runs have been in much stronger company at Auckland when he has run very respectable races.
Last Friday night he had to work early to lead before taking a trail being Henry Hu and, while he ran out of puff inside the last 200 metres, he still ran a very fast 2:41 for the 2200 metres, with Henry Hu clocking 2:39.1, a mile rate of 1:56.4.
His effort for fourth before that also had plenty of merit as winner Some Do clocked 1:57.3 for the mile and he was only half a neck, half a head and one and a quarter lengths away fourth after being forced to race three wide with no cover for the last lap when improving from the rear.
On Thursday night he draws three on the front and with his high gate speed, driver Zachary Butcher should easily find the front and dictate terms, while his main opposition will be forced to work from second row alleys.
“He’s got very good gate speed and is definitely an each way chance,” says trainer Ray Green.
Double Or Nothing has yet to finish out of the money in three starts at Cambridge where he has notched a win and two seconds.
His overall record is not to be sneezed at either - he’s raced 19 times for two wins and 11 placings for $40,105 in stakes.
Andre Poutama gives Lindi Lincoln a quiet run at the Pukekohe workouts last Saturday.Stablemate Lindi Lincoln hasn’t fared so well in the barrier draw in the eighth race and will need some luck from two on the second row.
She is having her first start for a month when she raced way below her best at Cambridge, dropping out of the one-one before the home turn.
Green subsequently discovered she had a virus - “her blood was way out” - treated her and gave her a week in the paddock.
Lindi Lincoln had a quiet workout last Saturday and, while Green says she may benefit from the run on Thursday, “she’s reliable and doesn’t do much wrong.
“She should get an economical run and will go a good race.”
* A full brother to Double Or Nothing, Louie The Punter, is among the 11 two-year-olds which Lincoln Farms is presently placing in partnerships.
More news in Harness
Nate: Write off Kevin Kline again at your peril - he’s not that fast but he just keeps going
Harness 5000 dream over for Nate as fiesty Dreams Of Eric booked to China next month
Kevvie’s win excellent but Debbie’s Oaks effort at 100-to-one has Ray even more excited
Better draw and tighter hopples but Debbie Lincoln’s still paying 100-to-one in the Oaks
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan’s comments
Thusday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Im Not The Maid
5.49pm
“She’s been battling and this will be her last start before going to stud.”
Race 7: Dreams Of Eric
8.04pm
“I’ll leave the tactics up to Harry again. He’s done a good job with the horse. He wanted to take a sit last time so was quite happy when crossed by Rough And Ready, and Harry said he was still on the bit when he hit the line. There are a few nice ones in there, like Diamonds Are Forever, but I’m sure’ll go another good race.”

Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.56pm
“Maurice wanted to try something different last week and found a good run for him but he seems to go better if he can get to the parked position. He needs to run top four to get into Metro Final. He’s trained on well. ”
Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.54pm
“I don’t think the stand will worry him. He steps away pretty well and he never lets you down. I thought he did a great job to win last week given he was a couple of lengths off them at the 700. I know it’s a tough field but so was last week’s field. If everything goes right, he’s a top three chance.”

