Trainer Ray Green and driver Andre Poutama discuss Friday night’s encouraging debut by Hilary Barry.
Everyone stoked with Hilary Barry’s debut - and Hilary calls her amazing
By Barry Lichter • 19 January 2019
Hilary Barry didn’t win on Friday night but her fine debut fifth thrilled her trainer and her Seven Sharp namesake.
And the filly remains on target for the March 8 Young Guns Fillies’ Final at Alexandra Park.
Television presenter Hilary Barry wasn’t able to watch the race live - she was on a flight at the time - but she has seen a replay.
“The human Hilary Barry can’t fast enough to save her life but the equine version is amazing,” she says.
Hilary Barry strides out during Friday night’s race at Alexandra Park.“I thought she did brilliantly, she was right up there with the leaders and showed tonnes of potential (in my humble opinion).”
Snookered four back on the markers early from her inside second row draw, driver Andre Poutama manoeuvred the filly to three back on the outer for the last lap.
Trainer Ray Green says he started getting a bit excited 150 metres from home when it looked like she might run in the money.
“She rushed into it but just flattened out the last 50 metres.
“I was quite happy with her. She went great.
“With that run under her belt and a better draw she won’t be far away in the final.
“If she gets a two hole trip she’ll be in the money for sure.’’
Poutama described the run as very encouraging.
Hilary Barry, arrowed, runs right into contention behind the leaders.“She fought all the way to the line.’’
The news on stablemate Beaudiene Blinkz, who ran last, is not so good.
“She pulled up a little off,’’ says Green.
“She didn’t look comfortable on the track and and wasn’t a happy horse afterwards.
“We’ll get the vet out and see if we can find the problem.’’
More news in Harness
Omaha Lincoln long in the odds but he has enough toe to say he won’t be entirely beached
Watch Sammy Lincoln charge home and you’ll want to be on at Cambridge on Thursday night
Lincoln Wave scorches in, still on target for richer races and Sammy’s making progress too
Johnny Lincoln’s big ticker will stand to him in the States and Lover’s also sold to Aussie
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Omaha Lincoln
4.49pm
“He’s never been to Cambridge, and it’s his first time off the place, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go well - he’s certainly got enough speed to do the business. It’s guesswork trying to assess him against the others but I think he’ll do everything right so he’s a chance.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
6.51pm
“She is a bit one-dimensional - she’ll take charge of proceedings when the gate leaves. She could get parked but if she got a cheque I’d be happy.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.22pm
“He was taking ground off the winner last week and I don’t think the step up to 2700 will make much difference, he’s race fit now. He’ll do what he can do, he’s no champion, but he’s got the draw, he steps well and he won’t be far away.”
Race 7: Lincoln Wave
7.52pm
“The draw is awkward over the sprint distance at Cambridge but he’s absolutely capable of being right in the fray if he happened to get a good trip - he’s an improver every time he goes to the races. Not many of the others have run 1:54.”
Race 7: Sammy Lincoln
7.52pm
“I thought he did well to finish third last week after being parked out. The draw makes it very hard but he’s got real speed and if he dropped into it late, it wouldn’t surprise me if he got home really well.”
Race 10: Spiritual Bliss
9.24pm
“They’ll know they’ve been to the races if she gets any kind of trip. She was parked the whole way last time in 1:52 and wasn’t far off them. I don’t really want to see her parked again but you’d think Tytate would duck for cover knowing we’d say in front. She’s tough and reliable - she hasn’t gone a bad race since we’ve had her - and you know she’ll put herself in the race.”
Race 10: Another Cullect
9.24pm
“The outside is not a good draw for her but, if they go hard, it will suit her.”
