Trojan Banner, outer, misses by the smallest of noses in 1:50 flat at Dover Downs in the United States.
Ex Lincoln Farms warrior Trojan Banner clocks 1:50 flat in the United States
By Barry Lichter • 26 December 2019
Lincoln Farms export Trojan Banner has run a white hot 1:50 flat in the United States - and gone under by the narrowest of margins.
Trojan Banner was having just his third start at Dover Downs, after a debut win and a fifth, and was actually called across the line first in the US$15,000 mile in a desperately close finish with Rockin M.
But the photo showed he had missed by the smallest of noses to catch the leader, a very game performance considering he sat parked for most of the last lap.
Trojan Banner, who began from seven at the gate and settled fourth in the running, eased out into the running line with just under a lap to run after they rocketed out in 26.8 and hit the half in 55.6.
The little colt sustained a long run for champion driver Tim Tetrick, closing in 27 flat.
Though beaten, the run augured very well for new owners Richard Poillucci and Jo Ann Looney-King, who bought the horse from Lincoln Farms soon after he had won seven races straight for Queensland trainer Al Barnes.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
6.59pm
“He was tough again in winning last week. He’s trained on well, is in good shape, and should be right in it.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.59pm
“He’s finally getting his act together - he’s gone three good races in a row - and seemingly turned the corner. We’ve had a lot of (vet) work done on him, his feet in particular, and it’s paid off. There’s not much between him and Tyson.”
Race 5: Rivergirl Bella
7.23pm
“She’ll need everything to go her way from the draw. But she’s got a bit of speed. She’s getting there. She wasn’t very strong before and wasn’t tracking too well, but she’s driving right now.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
7.23pm
“She’s had a few issues, mostly mental ones, and is still a bit of a handful. It wasn’t very pretty last week but we’re slowly getting her under control. The outside draw might actually help her.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.23pm
“She needs only a half decent trip to feature. She got held up a little bit in the straight at a crucial time last week and that was that.”
Race 6: Prince Lincoln
7.49pm
“He’s drawn the best of ours in three. He got cheated for a run last week. It’s hard to know where he’d have finished without that.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.49pm
“Ferg reckoned if he’d been able to hold up in the trail last week he would have won. He was very bullish about how he’d gone. The draw’s no help but he can do a bit of work. He’s an honest little guy who saves his best for when the money’s up on racenight.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
7.49pm
“He got a bit keen last week but he should be a lot better this time. He’s still learning and he’s a slow learner. When he does things correctly he’s a pretty nice horse. Hopefully he can get a suck into it from the second row draw.”
