Gold Coast better fit for Lincoln’s Command

Lincoln’s Command will get a pass mark from trainer Al Barnes just for finishing within four lengths of his rivals at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

And that’s because Barnes believes the horse still needs to go round a few more times to build up his fitness after a stifle injury scare in July.

Barnes says Lincoln’s Command will be far better suited to the 1885 metre Aquis Park circuit than he was last time at Kilcoy with its 1270 metre circumference.

“The turns were just too tight for him and it was up and down hill.

“He’s perfectly sound now and just needs to show us something so we know he’s worth persevering with.

The Aquis Park track has a 400 metre home straight.“That’s why I’m hoping he can go forward on Saturday. He hasn’t been ridden up the front yet and with his lack of speed I think that’s what he needs.”

Drawn eight in a field of only 12, Lincoln’s Command meets a field of class one horses over 1800 metres, a trip Barnes says will give him the chance to show his staying ability.

The Gold Coast track also has a much longer 400 metre straight than Kilcoy’s 143 metres, another factor in his favour.

“I know he’s on borrowed time but I’d like to give him another few runs to show he can be competitive.”

Jason Taylor, who has enjoyed considerable success at the Gold Coast track, will ride Lincoln’s Command.

Lincoln’s Command races at 6.18pm NZ time.