Tommy Lincoln in his familiar leading role last start but he’s just as effective from behind. PHOTO: Megan Leifting/Race Images.
In-form Tommy gunning for win No. 8 - and the opposition is easier on Friday
By Barry Lichter • 11 November 2020
With the scalp of Star Galleria on his belt, Tommy Lincoln will be out to land another killer blow against weaker opposition at Auckland on Friday night.
Tommy Lincoln notched his best win yet when he led all the way to win on mile night a Alexandra Park, clocking a slick 1:54.4 to beat Steven Reid’s former pinup pacer by half a length.
While only a small field it was still a rating 67 to 102 race and on Friday he reverts to a rating 55 to 75 event over 2200 metres.
As the highest rated horse in the field, the winner of seven races, the preferential barrier draw sees him have to start from three on the second row but trainer Ray Green doesn’t believe that will make the horse impotent.
“He used to be one dimensional but he’s improved now and is just as effective coming from off the pace as he is in front.”
Green says Tommy Lincoln might have a problem if asked to run the gate then take a sit but from the second row he should he able to slot in and make his run when driver David Butcher chooses.
“He’s in-form and reliable and that makes him our best chance of the night.
“The boys tell me he’s trained on well while I’ve been away in Christchurch.”
Green opts for Apieceoflou over Revitalise when the two clash in the fifth race.
Both horses have drawn nicely on the front, an early scratching bringing Revitalise in to three and Apieceoflou four.
But Green says Apieceoflou has proven to be the more reliable in his short career.
“He’s a lovely horse who doesn’t do much wrong. I think he could improve into a really nice horse.”
Apieceoflou showed the ability Green knew he had two starts back when, for the first time he landed the trail, and was too good at the finish of 1700 metres, clocking a 1:56 mile rate.
And his effort for fourth last time also had merit as, from the second row, Butcher got him into the one-one sit at the bell and he was able to finish on for fourth to the flying Taipo who clocked 1:53.7.
Apieceoflou ran a slick 1:54.7 himself to get within five lengths of the winner.
Revitalise’s credentials are muddied slightly by his inexplicable break behind the gate at Cambridge last start when favourite.
Despite that, the horse still managed to finish only 5.4 lengths from Bet West after launching a four wide challenge across the top. Though he came to the end of his run in the stretch he battled away gamely.
He looked on the verge of winning when racking up two seconds during October but he doesn’t like being hurried early.
“He’s had only 11 starts so he’s not that experienced.”
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No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
