Draw against Tommy but he’s still a top four chance at Albion Park on Saturday night

Despite a tricky barrier draw, Tommy Lincoln should still finish in the top four at Albion Park on Saturday night, says trainer Mark Dux.

A last-start winner from a leading draw of three, Tommy moves out this week to five, after an early scratching, which could be enough to see him deprived of his favourite role.

“They’re not the best ones inside us but they have enough speed to be a pest,” says Dux.

“He’s got to go forward, though, as it’s too hard getting into the race if you go back. Mathew (Neilson) will roll across and play it by ear.

“Who knows, he might have enough speed to get across. He’ll probably get a little more respect now too because of the way he’s racing.

“But if they think we’ll cross and hand to Blacksadance they might not let us go.”

Dux says it’s a given that Blacksadance, drawn the outside of the second row as the equal highest rated on 120, will make a run round the field at some stage.

“If we’re outside the leader then it wouldn’t be a good spot, with him in front and running his last mile in 1:53.”

Dux says Tommy has trained on well since his last race a couple of weeks ago when he rated 1:52.8 for the 1660 metres.

The horse extends to 2138 metres on Saturday night, a distance he has scored over in only two of his seven wins in Queensland.

“But I’m really happy with him and, even if he gets only an average run, he’s a top four chance.”

Tommy Lincoln races at 10.44pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.