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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Johnny Lincoln
5.39pm
“He didn’t do anything at Auckland last start but seems to go better left-handed and placed at Cambridge in his only start there.”
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.39pm
“Her driver (Harrison Orange) said she would have won last start had that horse (Mr Miki) not stopped in her face. The winner was gone by the time she saw daylight. She will just need some luck from the second row draw.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.39pm
“He should have won last start at Auckland but we’ve taken the blinds off on Friday night and, in a weaker line-up, going left-handed, we’ll see how he goes.”
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.37pm
“I think the race will be won or lost soon after the start. It’s out of our control, we just have to hope she gets a run through and then I’m sure she’ll be hard to beat.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.40pm
“She’s got a little bit of lick but only has a short sprint, so timing is everything.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.40pm
“Being put in the race from the start last time obviously took a bit of the sting out of him. But at least there’s no chance that will happen this time from the second row. In his previous races he’d ducked for cover and got sucked along but he needs a decent tempo, he’s no sit-sprinter.”
