Apieceoflou looks the one to beat in the second race at Alexandra Park on Friday night. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Consistent Apieceoflou drawn to score at Alexandra Park on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 26 November 2020
Back to a good front row draw, Apieceoflou looks the best of Lincoln Farms’ chances at Auckland on Friday night.
The consistent three-year-old will leave from four on the gate, compared with stablemate Franco Nandor’s outside alley, from where he should land a sweet trip.
“If he gets a good trip, he’s the one to beat,” says trainer Ray Green who was taken by the way the horse fought well for second last week after being parked for the last 1150 metres.
“Being hung out didn’t help but he still whacked away. He’s not as strong as he will be but he’s as honest as can be.”
Apieceoflou hasn’t finished further back than fourth in three starts since he capitalised on a perfect trail to bag his first win, downing the in-form Luke John in a 1:56 mile rate for 1700 metres.
As expected, Franco Nandor needed the run last week when resuming from a three and a half month break.
The Mach Three gelding showed zip for a couple of hundred metres when driver Zachary Butcher came out three wide at the 400 but he was done with 150 metres from home, only battling into seventh.
“He raced up like he was going to beat them but you have to forgive him as he hadn’t raced for a while.”
Andre Poutama takes the reins on Friday night with Butcher behind the Purdon-Phelan-trained Raven Banner.
Tommy Lincoln has only three rivals on Friday night.Tommy Lincoln has only three rivals in the opening race, a rating 67 to 104 affair that favours the highest ranked On The Cards.
But Green is predicting the horse will go another good race after his recent front-running win over Star Galleria.
Tommy Lincoln had to do some work to reach the lead last time, after starting from the second row, and was nailed only by the horse who sat on his back, Callie’s Delight, in a swift 2:40.1 for the 2200 metres.
“They went fast and he was drilled down the back so he did well to hang on for second.”
On Friday night, from two, Tommy should cross straight to the front and adopt his favoured front-running role.
“On The Cards might have a dab for the front but it doesn’t matter if he presses the issue, Tommy can follow speed just as easily.”
On The Cards is sure to start a hot favourite after his last-start second to Vintage Cheddar in the Junior Free-for-all at Addington.
Revitalise’s form might look woeful in the fourth race, for junior drivers, but don’t be surprised to see him spring right back into form, says Green.
“He’s training super, he’s as sound as can be, and I’m very happy with him.”
Revitalise’s recent efforts have been blighted by a foot abscess, which developed into a quarter crack and required minor surgery.
“He was in a bit of strife for a couple of weeks but we’ve done a fair bit with the foot, we’ve swum him for the last week, and he’s trained on beautifully.
“We’ve got a good young fella in Zev Meredith driving him too.”
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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
