
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.
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Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”

Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”

