Trojan Banner is airborne as he cruises to his third straight win at Albion Park. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
First real test for Trojan Banner but Al’s looking forward to it
By Barry Lichter • 10 April 2019
It’s a strong field and Trojan Banner has drawn badly on the second row but trainer Al Barnes still gives the colt a winning chance at Albion Park on Friday.
Lincoln Farms’ three-year-old lines up in the second race at 3.53pm NZ time with a near picket fence form line after stringing together three easy wins since arriving in Queensland.
And while Barnes admits he didn’t expect to strike such strong opposition this week, he rates Trojan Banner the best horse in the field.
“The draw makes it tricky because it’s only over a mile (1660m) and they’ll run quick time. But while it’s a good little field, there’s nothing in there that would win the derby and he’s definitely up to those horses.
A recent Facebook post for Trojan Banner’s fans in Queensland.“It will be a good test for him but they’ll be more scared of us than we are of them. They’ll be thinking: ‘Oh, great, we’ve got to race Trojan Banner!’
“He’s getting a good reputation here already and he’s improving all the time.
“I’m not going in confident of making it four in a row but I am confident he’ll go well with an ounce of luck.’’
Barnes says Friday’s race could play into Trojan Banner’s hands if the front line horses go hard.
“We could then drive him with one run.’’
Another scenario might see the four horse Ima Birubi Boy use his gate speed and head for the early lead, allowing Trojan Banner to follow him through.
But Barnes says if none of that unfolds Trojan Banner still has the ability to move if the pace slackens and slip round to the chair.
“It’s tough to win from the second row unless you can do some work but if you can, and don’t mind coming three deep solo, you can still be competitive.’’
Barnes says he’s thrilled with Trojan Banner’s condition and he says he seems to be on top of a few little foot issues.
“He’s quite soft in the soles and has been feeling his feet a little. But I’m using something that hardens his feet up and he’s wearing bonded shoes that take the jar out.’’
Trojan Banner races at 3.53pm NZ time.
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Rampaging La Moose growing on Ray and right-handed shouldn’t be a worry
Grins night joy: Frisco Bay clears maidens in style and Ray’s hoping he’ll now go on with it
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
