Better track, smaller field and outside course all point to Lincoln Raider smoking them

Better track conditions and a small field should be enough to see classy galloper Lincoln Raider ($3.50) back in the winners’ circle at Awapuni on Saturday.

The club reported dead 6 footing this morning after irrigating 5ml overnight and, with only 2.4ml of rain having fallen this morning and no more predicted, trainer Lisa Latta is expecting the rating to come back to a perfect dead 4.

That improvement is crucial to Lincoln Raider’s chances as he was really brought undone last time at Awapuni when the going was a slow 8, preventing him from getting the spring he needs off the ground to reel in the leaders.

That, combined with the meeting being held on the inside course, saw Lincoln Raider up against it but nevertheless he still powered home to feature in a half head, short head and half head thriller with Sinarahma, Keep It Savvy and Hartley.

And he was clocked to run the fastest last 600 metres in 35.72 despite being forced very wide turning for home.

On Saturday, racing returns to the outside course, with the rail out 6 metres between the 800 and 400, and with only seven rivals, Latta is full expecting him to take the biggest slice of the $30,000 cheque.

“Back on the big course he should be too good for them. It was very tricky footing the other day and he’s not a real slow track horse.”

Lincoln Raider showed what he was capable of in his previous start when on good 3 footing he flew home from the back to win over 1400 metres at Trentham.

Jonathan Riddell takes the reins on Saturday but won’t have things his own way with Weaponry, Portland Jimmy and Hartley engaged.

Johnny Lincoln was never on the bridle last time on the inside course at Awapuni. Racing switches to the outside on Saturday. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Latta lines up Kamada Lincoln and Johnny Lincoln in the last race for rating 72 stayers and says both will go a lot better on the bigger outside course at Awapuni.

“The short course didn’t suit Johnny last time. He was chasing all the way, never on the bridle, and definitely not himself.

“The race wasn’t run to suit either and he got the shuffle-up at the wrong time. From his handy draw Robbie (Hannam) should be able to get a nice run on Saturday. We know he tries his heart out and he will give us another good sight.”

Latta favours Johnny Lincoln ($7.50) over Kamanda Lincoln ($31, $6.25) but says while apparently out of form, and drawn badly, Kamanda Lincoln is still a place chance.

“Lisa (Allpress) was very happy with him the other day even though he ran only tenth. He got out too late and had plenty left.

“He’s settling a bit better in his new bit, he looks fantastic and the dead track will suit him.

“He’s better than his form line suggests and you’d think he’d be ready to show something now.”

Riddell also handles Kamanda Lincoln.