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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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
