Good track at Waipukurau on Sunday made to order for Master Lincoln

Master Lincoln might have looked awful in his fresh-up run but trainer Lisa Latta warns he can turn that form on its head at Waipukurau on Sunday.

Master Lincoln (race 8) is one of four Lincoln Farms horses she will take to the meeting and the one who will most appreciate the good conditions expected.

When he resumed from a spell at Awapuni on December 3 the slow 7 footing completely tripped him up.

Last on settling, he was under a ride to even catch the field and at the post had battled past just one horse.

“He’s a beautiful moving horse who absolutely hates wet tracks,’’ says Latta. “I said at the time we were only using the race as a launching pad since it was on his door step.

“He has improved immensely since then, he gets a good track and a reasonable draw and it’s not a strong field.’’

Master Lincoln showed what he is capable of on good footing nine days before that flop when he ran second in an open 1000 metre heat at the Levin jumpouts, flashing home to finish a close second to Handful in a time of 58.8.

The Waipukurau track was officially rated a good 3 this afternoon and with a continued fine forecast could improve even further.

Lincoln’s Command … Jason Waddell rides from the inside gate. PHOTO: Royden Williams.The conditions will also suit Lincoln’s Command which will see the Pentire five-year-old step up to 2200 metres for the first time.

“It’s a big step-up but on his work and his breeding I feel it will not be a problem for him,’’ says Latta.

Lincoln’s Command ran only sixth last start over 1600 metres at Otaki where he was expected to go better on the back of a super impressive trial win when blinkers were fitted.

But rider Robbie Hannam was forced to make his run from the back early to get round some slow horses and he came to the end of his run.

Latta says Lincoln’s Command has pleased in his work since and on Sunday he switches from the outside gate to the inside, from where she hopes top rider Jason Waddell can secure the trail and be hard to beat.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him run.’’

Tim Johnson gets another chance on strapping galloper Port Lincoln who is a difficult horse to work. PHOTO: Royden Willians.Latta also expects Port Lincoln to bounce back to form in the second race.

Port Lincoln, a bold third on debut, ran only sixth last time at Otaki but he had little chance when last 500 metres from home then blocked and checked, clear only in the final 150 metres.

“I thought about a change of rider but Tim (Johnson) rides him every morning and he has not been an easy horse to work so I felt Tim deserved another chance on him.

“He’s a very big horse - he only just fits in the gates - and he has a better draw to use here so should be just in behind the speed.

“His work has been very good, though he’s always a good track worker, and this doesn’t look an overly strong field.’’

Latta says Lincoln Bay (race 6) is really at the stage where he needs to front up.

The six-year-old never flattered when sixth at Wanganui last time but Latta says rider Tony Allan felt it was a good enough run from a wide draw. “On Sunday he has a better draw to use and the horse should get every chance.’’

Madan Singh takes the ride this time and claims 2kg.