Improving Johnny Lincoln prevails in thrilling finish and takes aim at Sires’ Stakes

Johnny Lincoln will be aimed at the first Sires’ Stakes heat at Auckland next month after his gritty win on Friday night.

Taking on older horses, the little two-year-old showed real tenacity in overhauling his rivals late, with horses spread right across the track and just two noses and two heads separating the first five home.

The performance earned the Lather Up colt a shot at the opening $30,000 heat of the Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes series on September 5, co-trainer Ray Green rapt with his recent progress.

“He’s still got a bit to learn but he has a bit of potential so it’s exciting stuff.”

Green played down the colt’s keenness in the run, pointing to the very slow tempo of the 2200 metre race run in a pedestrian 2:45.8.

“They only walked and Fergie said in hindsight he should have led. But the encouraging thing was Mick Konstantin is renowned for great gate speed, and Fergie had to put a death grip on Johnny to let him go, so we now know he has a bit of gate speed.

“And with no two-year-old races around he’ll be a bit fitter than most.”

Pictured in the winner’s circle with Johnny Lincoln are, from left, Ian Middleton, Ray Green and John Street. PHOTO: Therese Davis/Race Images.Green said he was fine with Johnny Lincoln racing against older, more seasoned horses, which has allowed the colt to continue to improve.

“He came along a bit after the others, but seems to be every bit as good. Fergie likes him.”

The others Green was referring to include Prince Lincoln and Lincoln Lover whom he said were just about ready to go again after showing good ability in their first prep earlier in the year.

Peter Ferguson, who continued a good recent record with the Lincoln Farms’ team, said Johnny Lincoln had been a real work in progress and he praised Green and his training partner Nathan Delany for their patience.

“He is getting better. He’s still a bit worried about the winning post, so we’ll get him used to that, but for a little fella he’s got a pretty big engine.”

Johnny Lincoln now boasts the fine record of two wins and four placings from eight starts, winning $23,220 for his big team of owners, John and Lynne Street, Green, Ian Middleton, the Four Legs Syndicate, Margaret Rabbitt, Duncan Chisholm, Kathy James and the Athenry Syndicate.