Forget Billy went round last time - even Hayden couldn’t see where he was going
By Barry Lichter • 13 November 2019
A newly resurfaced Albion Park opens on Thursday with Billy Lincoln poised to pick up his winning thread.
Lincoln Farms’ improving three-year-old lines up in the second race, a wide front row draw not expected to stop him from securing the front.
Trainer Al Barnes says you can put the line through Billy Lincoln’s last start failure at Redcliffe on November 1 when in his first look at the tricky tight circuit he repeatedly locked on one rein.
Driver Hayden Barnes told a judicial inquiry into Billy Lincoln’s run that he also disliked running in the heavy rain, racing three wide from the 1200 metres and failing to run on.
“Hayden told me the rain was so heavy he couldn’t see two feet in front of him.”
Knowing even seasoned horses can struggle with the Redcliffe saucer, Al Barnes simply turned the page and waited for Albion Park to reopen.
And he says while fresh, Billy Lincoln won’t be underdone.
“He’s not the best trackworker, he’s a bit lazy. He’s pretty casual now he’s settled into his new home.
“But I’d say he’ll be about 95% and that should be enough in this field, which isn’t overly strong.
“He’ll push forward and find a good spot and will really appreciate being back at Albion Park.”
None of the horses drawn inside Billy Lincoln are in form, the best of his rivals on the second row, so Barnes expects he will find the front, from where he will be very had to run down.
“It’s getting a little harder for him every time but he should be right for a couple more easy wins. He hasn’t done anything wrong so far and is progressing and getting better with each run.”
Billy Lincoln’s four previous runs in Queensland resulted in three wins and a close second.
“Even when he was beaten he paced 28 and 28 home which was a PB for him.
“He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations since he came over from New Zealand. No one thought he’d do so well, so soon.”
In his last win at Albion Park on October 25, the Bettor’s Delight gelding clocked a mile rate of 1:55.5 for the 1660 metres, clearly faster than all of his rivals bar Oasis Dream. But the veteran’s lifetime mark of 1:53.5 was set two years and four months ago and he has won only one of his last 42 starts.
Billy Lincoln races at 4.20pm NZ time at Albion Park on Thursday afternoon.
More news in Harness
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
