Better draw will help Frisco but Ray’s quartet for Friday all in early stages of new prep

Trainer Ray Green is hoping an improved draw will help Frisco Bay show his real worth at Auckland on Friday night.

But Green isn’t about to label any of Lincoln Farms’ four runners on the night, each in the early stages of new preparations.

Green says he was a little disappointed with Frisco Bay at Cambridge last Friday night when driver Andre Poutama whipped round the field a lap from home to sit parked and he dropped out to last.

Even though it was his first race in more than five months, Frisco Bay had been expected to go well after a throat operation which saw him trialling like his old self.

“He pulled his way round the field and sat outside the leader but he couldn’t cop a run like that first-up and got tired.

“He obviously needed it and the run will help him get fitter. The ability is there, whether he’s fit enough or not we’ll find out. But I expect him to go well, the three draw is much better than last week.”

Green suspects Lenny Lincoln might need the run in the same race, his first for three months.

“He’ll probably need a race but he’s capable of running a slot. He’s unlucky not to have won a race, all three of his seconds were good.”

Those efforts, behind the likes of Always B Elite, The Surfer and Medina Magic, confirmed the Vincent gelding was honest but Green says he’ll need to improve a notch.

“He’s got a bit better with each of his trials this time in and he got home well last Saturday, after coming widest on the turn.”

Driven by Nathan Delany, Lenny Lincoln improved from the back of the field and was doing his best work at the finish, one and a half lengths and a nose from winner Vinnie Turbo.

Green also lines up two improvers in the following race, Leo Lincoln and Obadiah Dragon.

Consistent Leo Lincoln out on his own in this win at Auckland last December. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.Leo Lincoln has had a month’s freshen-up after three excellent races in December when he won and ran fine seconds to Penny Black in a slick 2:41.4 and Christopher Vance when he beat home Friday night’s hot favourite Twista.

“Leo needed a break, he’d backed up quite a few weeks on end,” Green said. “He’s very consistent - he’s only missed a couple of cheques.

“And he just couldn’t cop a run like last time when he sat parked behind Jeremiah.

“He’s another just coming back and should improve with the run.”

Leo Lincoln has drawn the inside of the second row but maps to get a cushy pegs run with pole runner Akatea sure to hold a forward spot.

Obadian Dragon’s run last week, when sixth of nine, was better than it looked, says Green, even though he shared the rear in the running and finished 8.3 lengths from the winner, Potter.

“The way the race was run, his effort wasn’t bad at all. Moni (Monika Ranger) said he felt strong and, if he’d been a few slots closer, he would have been right in it.

“He’ll be improved for the run.”