Joey Lincoln … needed time and he’s had plenty of that now. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Joey runs hot in latest trial but Al and Hayden need to be cool to pass latest COVID-19 test
By Barry Lichter • 28 March 2020
Racing Queensland will introduce mandatory temperature testing on Tuesday when Lincoln Farms’ next kid on the block Joey Lincoln will attempt to qualify.
Before trainer Al Barnes or his driver son Hayden can even pass through the gates at Albion Park they will have their temperatures taken in the latest measure to keep racing going during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Only key personnel are now allowed on course during race meetings in the state, with no public or owners, and those attending will now be denied access if their temperature is above 37.8 deg C.
Racing Queensland has also abandoned its winter carnival, reduced the number of horses which can compete at its meetings and introduced regional racing where limited tracks are used and competitors cannot move between zones.
Harness racing will continue at Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg where strict biosecurity protocols are now in place.
Racing Queensland’s CEO Brendan Parnell said unprecedented times called for unprecedented measures.
“We must do everything within our powers to provide for the 40,000 Queenslanders who participate across the state.
“These are their livelihoods that are at stake.
Regional racing model
“By introducing a regional racing model, we are able to further support the Queensland Government’s direction to stay local, reduce non-essential travel and to limit the spread of this insidious virus.”
Harness drivers will now use their own colours on racedays, so stable silks are not passed from one person to the next.
Al Barnes is thankful that racing can continue in the state, unlike in New Zealand where no racing is allowed while the country remains on Covid level 4 alert, and will not be possible for some time after that with most horses now turned out.
And in Joey Lincoln he believes he has a horse who can win first-up when he decides to push that button.
In his latest educational trial at Albion Park last Friday, Barnes tried the Sweet Lou three-year-old in front for the first time and, while still a little green, he showed his ability when scoring a comfortable five length win.
Joey Lincoln is well clear and travelling easily in his latest educational trial at Albion Park.“He did it nicely and Hayden didn’t knock him around - he went a 2:02 mile rate and came home in 29. It’s the first time Hayden has been able to slap him on the bum, and the horse responded well.
“He’ll qualify on Tuesday and we might give him a couple of trials before he goes to the races as I won’t start him until he’s 100 percent ready when he can run 55.”
Barnes says he’s always liked Joey Lincoln even though he wasn’t much liked at Lincoln Farms in Pukekohe where trainer Ray Green said he’d need a bit of time to find himself.
“He’s got speed but he’s just needed that time. I’ve given him a lot of long, slow work to give him confidence.
“He used to drive through from behind and touch himself. That would make him scared and he’d take off and the more he pulled, the more he hit himself.”
Barnes has helped rectify the fault by fitting the horse behind with aluminium shoes elevated by three degrees.
Joey Lincoln is out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Bettabe Fast who won only two races.
“I’m confident he can win first-up and I’m hoping he can win a couple of races quite quickly.”
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Rampaging La Moose growing on Ray and right-handed shouldn’t be a worry
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.”
