Billy Lincoln strides out for Tim Tetrick at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey today.
Billy Lincoln paces fast 1:53 in New Jersey qualifier, living right up to our Al’s predictions
By Barry Lichter • 3 June 2020
Former Lincoln Farms three-year-old Billy Lincoln made a splash when qualifying at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey today.
Sold last November after notching three wins and three seconds in seven starts for Queensland trainer Al Barnes, Billy Lincoln paced a swift 1:53 flat mile in running second to another former Kiwi, Mako Banner who clocked 1:52.6.
Driven by champion reinsman Tim Tetrick, Billy Lincoln closed his last half in 28.2 to run the fourth equal fastest mile of the day when 14 heats were run.
Mako Banner (Mach Three - Regal Banner) while now a nine-year-old veteran, won three of his six races here for Graeme Anderson, and 15 races in Australia before being sold to the States where he has won another three times.
Billy Lincoln, on the other hand is an untapped talent, having raced only 11 times, and pleased his new trainer Tahnee Camilleri with his forward showing.
That’s no surprise to Barnes who, while pleased to have secured a healthy five figure sum for Lincoln Farms, was sorry to see the horse go.
“In another three months I reckon he’ll be a different horse,” he said at the time.
“I know it’s a big call but he might have made a derby horse in six months. He’s just got better and better and better. And there’s still so much improvement left in him.”
Billy Lincoln, by leading sire Bettor’s Delight, is out of Ginnie Moon, whose dam Armbro Innocence won 15 races.
More news in Harness
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A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
