
Top jockey Sam Collett takes the ride on Kamanda Lincoln on Saturday on the minimum weight.
Kamanda Lincoln can turn it all around in small field on Saturday
A good draw in a small field could be enough to see Kamanda Lincoln turn his form around at Riccarton on Saturday.
Kamanda Lincoln, who is balloted out of the New Zealand Cup, ran a seemingly average seventh on Wednesday but trainer Lisa Latta says he had no chance with the very muddling pace set by favourite Bak Da Master.
“He just got far too far back but Johnathan (Parkes) had to go back or he’d have been caught three wide.
“Then he got travelling a bit keen.’’
A good 15 lengths from the leaders 1200 metres from home when the speed finally went on, Kamanda Lincoln ground home well, recording 35.64 for his last 600 metres, the fourth fastest in the race.
Latta likes his chances on Saturday with only seven rivals, a perfect barrier draw of two and top jockey Sam Collett in the saddle.
Kamanda Lincoln also drops 5 kilos to the minimum weight of 54kg.
“All he needs is cover and he’ll be fine. The 2500 metres suits and he’s a definite chance.’’
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Te Rapa
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.38pm
“His was a huge run last start on an off track which we know he doesn’t like. He bounced through that run in superb order and he couldn’t be looking any better. This is the first time he has stepped up past 1200 metres but he is ready for it now. He is going to get a nice economical run from three and he shouldn’t be too far from the leaders as they turn for home. He is more than capable of running a big race and I expect him to run a lot better than his odds of $23. Jonathan Riddell is back on board.”