Line Up has made a dramatic improvement in the last few days after an abscess burst out of his foot.
Intriguing clash of Lincoln Farms’ colts will go ahead as Ray gives Line Up the all clear
By Barry Lichter • 2 October 2019
Line Up will line up at Cambridge tomorrow night after showing further improvement this morning.
Trainer Ray Green only jogged the smart colt but didn’t detect any lingering soreness from the foot abscess which earlier in the week threatened to keep him out of the first Sires’ Stakes heat.
“He was better again today and by tomorrow he should be really good. I’m not too worried at all now.
“Sometimes these things can linger for quite some time but in this instance we’ve been lucky.
“It’s impossible to say how far down on his best he’ll be but obviously he could be going into the race better.”
Green wouldn’t hazard a guess on whether Line Up would beat stablemate Copy That and said stable driver Zachary Butcher’s declaration for Copy That simply reflected the fact he didn’t want to potentially miss out on a drive as the deadline was yesterday.
Butcher’s dad David will pilot Line Up, who has been favoured in the draws and starts from gate three, with Copy That in six.
“There’s not much between the two of them and it will come down to who gets the better run.”
While Green rates Mighty Looee a chance, his pair will now be at short quotes with the TAB bookies.
The Line Up v Copy That clash will see heavyweight Australian owners Emilio Rosati and Merv Butterworth lock horns, Butterworth having bought Copy That from Green’s wife Debbie late last season.
Both colts are blessed with high speed and while Line Up has had much better manners so far, Copy That showed he was much more comfortable going left-handed when scoring a super trial win at Cambridge a couple of weeks ago.
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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.”
