Kruz better than the form line suggests but changing track conditions present a puzzle

Lincoln’s Kruz will run better than his form suggests at Otaki on Thursday where the changing track conditions will test horses and punters alike.

Rain overnight saw the track downgraded to a heavy 10 but with no more rain forecast until late Thursday afternoon trainer Lisa Latta is hoping the conditions will improve to at least slow.

And in that range she expects Lincoln’s Kruz (race three) and Lincoln Star (race 10) to be the most competitive of Lincoln Farms’ runners, some of which may not run, including the classy Lincoln Raider (race seven).

Lincoln’s Kruz may have beaten only four home last time at Hawera but he had little chance after being badly held up between the 350 metres and 100 metres.

And when rider Jonathan Riddell did finally manage to clear traffic, he opted not to knock the horse around just to finish a few places closer.

“Jonathan thought he might actually need a mile after that race but 1200 metres on wet ground will be more like 1300 or 1400,” said Latta.

“Some of his better runs have been on wetter tracks and it’s not a strong field on Thursday.

“He’s drawn out a bit so he’ll need a bit of luck in the running but, as long as he jumps well, he should be able to go forward and sit in the first half of the field.”

Lincoln Star … improver’s last start third. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Lincoln Star is looking for further than the 1600 metres of the last race but his last start third was one of an improver and he meets a mediocre lot, albeit from a wide gate.

Two weeks ago on the same course, in slow 8 ground, Lincoln Star reeled off the fastest last 600 metres of the race, 36.93, to claim third behind Cetus.

He doesn’t like it too wet but Latta is hoping the ground will have improved by the final race at 5.32pm.

“He has continued to train on well and looks in good shape.”

Latta says she’ll be reluctant to line up classy galloper Lincoln Raider unless the track looks like improving significantly.

While he has won in slow 8 conditions Lincoln Raider is best when he can get some spring off the track.

Latta engaged Jonathan Riddell for Thursday to prevent a recurrence of the slow start which cost the horse any chance last time at Hastings when he came out of the gates five lengths behind the field.

Should Lincoln Raider start he will be a force as, despite having top weight of 60.5kg, he is in a winnable race.

Lincoln Raider looked headed for big things two seasons ago after two massive late closing wins at Trentham but he was stopped by bone chips in a knee which required surgery.

In eight starts since he has saluted the judge only once - on good 3 footing at Trentham.

“His knees have been reinjected and he has worked very well.”