Bug takes Lincoln Farms babies out and Cambridge has snotty noses and coughs too
By Barry Lichter • 1 February 2022
The annual round of bugs has hit northern stables with Lincoln Farms forced to withdraw Frankie Major, Lincoln River and Beaudiene Rocknroll from racing at Auckland on Thursday night.
And further south in Cambridge, snotty noses and coughs are also appearing, Nicky Chilcott taking out talented trotter Sacred Mountain from her engagement at Alexandra Park after she was scoped and was full of mucous.
Co-trainer Andrew Drake says he noticed all was not well with the two-year-olds before they were due to work this morning and he called a vet to check them out.
“Nearly all the horses on the farm have crusty noses now. Superfast Ninja isn’t that bad yet but I might end up having to scratch her too.
“It happens every year with the heat and the dust. Hopefully it will last only a short time and the two-year-olds will be good to go next week.” A $20,000 Young Guns heat is carded on Magic Millions night, Saturday February 12.
Drake says at least the two-year-old’s symptoms appeared before the races, rather than having them perform below their best, which is what happened to some of the team at Cambridge last week.
“We found after his race that Bet On The Tiger had a virus.”
Just 79 horses are carded to run at Auckland on Thursday night.
More news in Harness
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
