
Frisco Bay scores an impressive fresh-up win at Auckland on August 30. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.
In-form Frisco Bay looks a ratings special at Alexandra Park on Friday night
Fresh from a big run in the Northern Metro Final, Frisco Bay ($3.50) looks a ratings special at Auckland on Friday night.
Trainer Ray Green’s three-year-old turned in one of the runs of the race last week in the $35,000 final, which was packed with talented pacers up to R60.
This week he meets only five rivals, only one of them with a rating higher than the 40s - Louezyana (R51) whom he beat by more than eight lengths last Friday.
When driver Andre Poutama pulled Frisco Bay out of the running line 600 metres from home to get in front of the three-wide train, the horse sped forward with plenty of venom.
Three wide disputing the lead round the home turn he fought on bravely, weakening only in the last 100 metres to run a 3.4 length fifth, only a nose from fourth, behind progressive pacers Always B Elite, Hawkeye Pierce, Jeremiah and Horray Henry.
Frisco Bay, who clocked 2:42.1 for the 2200 metres, was credited with the equal fastest third quarter of 28.4, the third fastest last half of 55.5 and 400 in 27.1.
On Friday night, with one scratching already inside him, he will start from three on the gate, with his main danger McKendrick ($2.70) immediately inside him.
The Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained four-year-old ran third last week behind Semba and Obadiah Dragon over 1700 metres, run in a slick mile rate of 1:54.6, and recorded the fastest closing sectionals of 54.8 and 27.4.
Green, not surprisingly, says Frisco Bay looks the one to beat on Friday with Zachary Butcher at the helm but he warns not to under-estimate stablemate Obadiah Dragon ($6.50) and regular driver Poutama.
“He’s going good races and I don’t think there’s a lot between them.”
Lincoln Farms’ other two runners on Friday clash in the opening race with Tyson standing over Lincoln La Moose.
Tyson downs Turn O The Tide two starts back at Auckland. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.Seedy toe
Green was forced to ease up on Tyson ($15) after his excellent last start fourth on August 9 behind Runkle Crunch, Hearts N Aces and Lincoln Lou after being parked throughout.
“He had a bit of a foot issue and we had to stop and cut a bit of his seedy toe away.
“He missed a bit of work but he trialled well last week and I expect him to go well.”
Driven quietly early in his Pukekohe workout, Tyson same from last on the final turn, sweeping round four and five wide and powering home for second behind last-start winner Classic Elegance, the 2050 metres run in a good 2:02.7 mile rate.
Green warns not to write off Lincoln La Moose ($34) for his terrible last start run when he was back on dispatch, broke 1450 metres out, over-raced down the back and broke again 400 from home.
“We couldn’t find anything specific that explained the run. He’s a nice enough horse but he’s still very green.
“I wouldn’t condemn him on that last run and he’s trained on well.”
Lincoln La Moose starts from the pole position on Friday with Poutama at the reins.
The pair have two promising types to contend with on Friday night, however, Purdon Racing’s winning debutant Without You ($2.30) and fresh-up winner Always Be Mattie, backed in from $3 to $2.20 immediately on the opening of the fixed odds.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”

Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”

