It’s going to be very sticky at Awapuni but Temyia’s claim will help Lincoln Farms’ pair

With his ability to jump and put himself right in the race, Lincoln’s Kruz should go close to winning the third race at Awapuni on Saturday.

Trainer Lisa Latta is just hoping the talented galloper can handle what she predicts will be a very testing, sticky heavy 11 track.

“We’ve had virtually no rain, only a little drizzle last night and very strong winds which will make the ground a lot stickier than the last meeting here.

“Darryl (Bradley) said he handled the wet OK first-up, but just needed the run, so hopefully he’ll be fine.”

With Bradley originally double booked and on race rival Irish Heart on Saturday, the mount goes to 3kg claimer Temyia Taiaroa, who will ride the three-year-old at 56.5kg.

“And that’s not a bad thing as it will take some weight off his back in the bad ground.”

Lincoln’s Kruz was four wide on speed fresh-up two weeks ago, before fighting bravely for third, and from 12 at the gate could be similarly parked on Saturday.

But with most of his rivals having no exposed form, Latta likes the horse as Lincoln Farm’s best winning chance.

Platinum Rapper is being aimed at next month’s Winter Cup at Riccarton where she won last August. PHOTO: Race Images.Taiaroa also retains the ride on smart mare Platinum Rapper, an excellent fresh-up third at the last Awapuni meeting, just two lengths behind the impressive winner Happy Star who is a rival again, carrying the same 55kg as last time.

“She probably needs a stronger rider but getting into the race with 52kg will help and we need to get the miles into her before the Winter Cup.

“She has handled most kinds of wet in work and she galloped well on Wednesday morning.”

Latta rates final race runner Lincoln Dreamer a sneaky chance at odds because of his ability to handle the heaviest of conditions.

“He was just too fresh and travelled too keenly last time which is not like him.

“On Saturday, from the wide draw, he can go back and get a bit of cover. And if he can work into it from the 600 he should finish his race off much better.”

Lincoln Dreamer has been putting in some good trackwork, says Latta, and he will have top youngster Kozzi Asano doing the steering.