Cheers go up as Kamanda Lincoln draws well for the Auckland Cup
By Barry Lichter • 6 March 2019
Kamanda Lincoln has drawn beautifully in gate four for Saturday’s $500,000 Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.
News of the good gate, considered essential to the horse’s chances, was greeted warmly by trainer Lisa Latta but not so the alley allocated to stablemate and third favourite Five To Midnight who is stuck out in 13 in the 16-horse field.
And while the bookies’ top fancy Charles Road is nicely placed in seven, second favourite Avondale Cup winner Glory Days landed 15 and fourth favourite Gundown 10.
Cameron Lammas will ride Kamada Lincoln, who powered home after an interrupted run in the home straight last Saturday, and Johnathan Parkes is on Five To Midnight, who was beaten a slender nose in the cup last year from the inside stall.
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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.”