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.
More news in Harness
Dave Phillips back in the winner’s circle with Spiritual Bliss, lauding Lincoln Farms
Everything goes to script for new Gold Card member David Turner as Lincoln Wave swells
Sammy Lincoln can make amends on Friday after narrow escape - Spiritual Bliss too
Canny Fergie drive gets Lincoln Lover home at Taupo - and it won’t be his last win
Our runners this week
Wednesday night at Cambridge
Lincoln Maree, The Night Fox, Lincoln Lover.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
6.18pm
“He was checked and locked wheels into the first turn last week and he had a decent puncture wound in his leg from where they ran into him so you certainly couldn’t condemn him for galloping. He’s a really nice horse, who is going to win races quickly. He hasn’t missed any work, and should be right in it.”
Race 3: Lincoln Wave
6.43pm
“He’s drawn wide again (six) but he’s good enough to get the job done. It’s a bit more of a test for him but there are no cup horses in there and he’s a pretty nice horse. We’ve waited for both him and Sammy Lincoln because of their setbacks at two but it’s been worth it.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
7.11pm
“He was very tough in winning after sitting parked last week. He’s awkwardly drawn again but he tries hard and, with a bit of luck and a good trip, he can get some of it.”
Race 6: Tyson
8.08pm
“Completely forget his run last week when he had no luck in the running. He’s a definite chance.”
Race 6: Spiritual Bliss
8.08pm
“She took no harm from the incident last Friday and has trained on well. I think she’ll go well. If you analyse her run, they went down the back in 27.8 and she did well to finish on for fourth after sitting parked.”
