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
Slip in the ratings gives Colonel Lincoln his best chance to regain form on Friday night
Sliding blinds go on Sammy Lincoln, a hot favourite for the Lincoln Farms Pace
Little Missy can lead at Cambridge on Friday and she’s much more reliable than Sammy
Richer targets for little bargain Missy Lincoln after commanding fresh-up Auckland win
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Copy Ten Four
5.52pm
“He got a bit tired last week but he didn’t stop. With a better draw this time, hopefully he’ll hold up in front and we can see what he’s got. He’s a good maiden and we haven’t seen the best of him yet, he’s a big horse who is still learning.”
Race 5: Colonel Lincoln
6.54pm
“You’d have to rate him the best horse in the field and he’s race fit now. And I thought he was pretty good last time. Drawing the outside makes it tougher but if Nathan (Delany) can secure a decent trip, he’d have to be a serious chance.”
Race 8: Leo Lincoln
8.23pm
“He’ll go another honest race but it’s hard to see him winning in that field where he’s at such a disadvantage in the ratings.”
