Perfect Stride, outer, is loafing as Star Hunter comes at him late in tonight’s semi-final at Bendigo. PHOTO: Stuart McCormick.
Barrier draw sees Lincoln Farms’ pair firm for Breeders’ Crown Final
By Barry Lichter • 17 August 2019
Lincoln Farms’ Perfect Stride has rocketed into second favouritism for next week’s Breeders’ Crown Two-year-old colts’ final at Melton after drawing the pole.
And Pukekohe stablemate Zeuss Bromac is also high on the bookies’ ladder after landing gate four for trainer-driver Zachary Butcher.
Both horses turned in excellent runs at Bendigo tonight, Perfect Stride leading all the way for Anthony Butt in his semi and Zeuss Bromac clearing a pocket late to run third to Be Happy Mach and Mirragon in the other qualifier.
Perfect Stride’s supporters were on good terms with themselves when he pounced straight onto the lead but they had a few heart flutters late when Star Hunter closed to a head at the post.
Butt, however, told TrotsVision that Perfect Stride was a casual little guy.
“He’s a lovely horse to drive, but the boys did say he can wait for them a bit in front. That’s what he did, he felt good turning for home and then he thought it was all over.
“But he’s learning all the time and I’m sure next week will be a different story.
“He’s been well trained by Ray (Green) and well educated. He’s just like an old horse to drive. He came off the gate fast and just relaxed and dropped the bit.
“He goes as fast as you want him to go. For a two-year-old he’s got beautiful manners and I’m sure next week he won’t be out of it.”
Butcher believes Zeuss Bromac can run in the top three from his front row draw but says Be Happy Mach is still the one to beat despite his horror outside second row draw.
“Be Happy Mach is a super horse but that draw makes our job a bit easier. My guy’s shown he has a little bit of gate speed and this is his Grand Final so I have to put him in a position to win.
“I thought his run was a lot better tonight. He missed a bit of racing before he came over so he’s on the way up.”
Bookies drifted favourite Be Happy Mach to $2.40 after the barrier draw, despite his commanding semi win, which took his record to nine wins from 10 starts.
And fellow Emma Stewart-trained runner Mirragon is out to $8 after also drawing the second row.
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Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
What’s Up The Hill.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
5.09pm
“She’s working really well and, from the good draw, hopefully she can run a drum. The field’s not that much harder than the one she beat last time at Manawatu (when parked for the last lap).”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
5.09pm
“We’re very happy with him - he’s come back a better horse. He went well at Auckland last start and is working well. We’ll be looking to go forward from the gate and hopefully get a gun run through behind Onyx Shard. On ability, he’s the better chance of the two.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.39pm
“He stepped like a bullet in his first go from a stand here in March. I thought he’d do the same on the second day but he galloped. We’ve got an overcheck on and hopple shorteners on Tuesday so he should make a good beginning. If he can step and lead, then maybe take a trail, he should be hard to beat. He likes it down there where the track is quite soft.”
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.04pm
“I thought I had Kevin Kline covered on Tuesday when we got to the straight because she was really travelling but he kicked away on us. It would be nice if she can get out of the gate as well again - she has good gate speed - and, if she does, she can get some of it again.”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
6.04pm
“He was too good for them on Tuesday, thanks to a great Fergy drive, and he’s in the same field again this time. The extra distance and wide draw shouldn’t make much of a difference and he’s our best of the night.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.02pm
“He’ll be hard to beat again if he steps like he did on Tuesday. The 10 metre handicap shouldn’t stop him. I think he’s even better if he follows something and the extra 500 metres isn’t a worry.”
