Check out Saturday’s big shortener Lincoln King who is ‘absolutely full of life’
By Barry Lichter • 5 November 2021
Lincoln King has been the big shortener for Saturday’s $75,000 Metropolitan Trophy at Riccarton.
Lincoln Farms’ stayer will be having his final lead-up to Saturday week’s $250,000 New Zealand Cup and is favoured by the step-up to 2500 metres this weekend.
Plenty of punters have followed the bullish advice of trainer Stephen Marsh since his opening quote of $6 was posted earlier in the week.
He now claims equal favouritism at $4.50 with Spring Classic winner Southern Ocean.
Of his other main rivals, Swords Drawn has eased from $4.80 to $6 and Beaudz Well is in slightly from $5.50 to $5.
Stable foreman Rhys Mildon reported today that Lincoln King had put on good condition in his time in the south.
“And he’s been full of life at the end of his gallops this week, bouncing off the track, which he doesn’t normally do.”
Lincoln King has been crunched in the cup market, in from $9 to $7 in the last two days, claiming equal second favouritism with Swords Drawn. Beaudz Well and Southern Ocean are equal $6 favourites.
Lincoln King, who cannot be rehandicapped if he wins on Saturday, was beaten a whisker in the cup last year by Dragon Storm.
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Lisa’s comments
Thursday at Otaki
Race 7: Lincoln Falls
4.23pm
“I thought it was a great run at Otaki where he was beaten on the line coming off a one week back-up. He sets up a lot nicer here with 12 days between races. He came through that last run really well and drops down to 53kg. Ace Lawson-Carroll should be able to get into a nice position from the six draw and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right in the finish again.”
Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Wanganui
Race 2: Lincoln’s Kruz
12.45pm
“ I thought he was very gallant last start finishing fifth on a heavy track, which we know doesn’t suit him. We should be running on a track in the soft range on Saturday which I think will play into his favour. He is going to need a touch of luck from the nine draw, but this is certainly the weakest field he has come up against for some time. Ace Lawson-Carroll will ride claiming 2kg.”
Stephen’s comments
Saturday at Te Rapa
Race 1: Billy Lincoln
11.55am
“His work has been good - he galloped beautifully in company last Saturday. It looks like the track will be playing quite well which will really suit him. He’s had a terrific prep and can go out for a spell after this run. I love a horse that keeps improving and he certainly has.”