New Jersey’s Leah Posner making friends with a new foal. Soon it will be Larry Lincoln getting the cuddles.
Larry loves his cuddles so Al’s happy he’s off to a great new home with Leah in the States
By Barry Lichter • 12 March 2021
Larry Lincoln will be having his last start for Lincoln Farms at Albion Park on Saturday night after his sale to the United States.
And while he steps up to the top grade and is now against seasoned Lincoln Farms’ flag bearer Northview Hustler and co, Barnes isn’t dismissing his chances.
Barnes has made no secret of how much he likes Larry Lincoln and says he will be sad to see him go.
“I love the horse. But at least I know he’ll get looked after and loved. He likes attention and cuddles and the one-on-one that you don’t get in the big stables so he’s going to the perfect place.”
Larry will be heading to the New Jersey farm of Leah Posner and her partner reinsman Austin Siegelman who is buying the horse along with his business associate.
And Barnes knows how well the horse will be treated because former Lincoln Farms’ speedster Vasari went to the same stable from where he has won another seven races.
“You couldn’t ask for a better home and I believe he will thrive over there.
“He’s the perfect horse for America with his high speed and stamina and he’ll love Yonkers. I think he’ll hold his own in the higher grade once he gets used to running 1:51 and 1:52 miles and he could race at that level for four or five years.”
Larry Lincoln and Hayden Barnes have been a devastating combination in Brisbane, winning eight races. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Barnes knows it’s a big ask expecting Larry to win again on Saturday night, his recent hat-trick having elevated him into free-for-all class.
“He has to step up but I’m not saying he can’t win because, from the pole, he’ll sit in the trail behind Ideal World. I’d rate him a $4 or $5 shot because he’ll get every chance.”
Larry Lincoln also steps up in distance on Saturday night, all eight of his wins in Brisbane having been over 1660 metres, with a fourth his best effort in four tries at the longer distance.
“The reason he wasn’t running 2100 out was he was pulling so hard but he seems to be settling really well now. The last time he ran 2100 he handled it.”
Barnes says he has a slight leaning towards Larry over the Hustler on Saturday night because of their draws but both are each way chances.
With son Hayden on Larry, Barnes will take the reins himself on the old warrior for only the third time since he arrived in Queensland in May, 2019.
“It’s been a while but I’m a patient driver and he’ll need to be driven cold from five. I can’t go forward with Ideal World the obvious leader from two.
“So the initial plan will be to go back and see what happens after 100 metres. I might be able to slot across and get the one-one. Ideally I’d love three fence but someone else will beat me to that spot.”
Barnes warns not to dismiss the Hustler who is going better than his form reads on paper.
“He’s a live chance. He was a victim of circumstances last time and it will suit him if they go hard.”
Northview Hustler was trapped behind a weakening runner last Saturday and was forced to make a long and wide run, seventh his lot.
Two starts back he got the speed wobbles and galloped when unleashing what Hayden Barnes thought would be a winning run.
And three starts back he led all the way for an easy win over his favoured 2138 metres.
Larry Lincoln and Northview Hustler race at 9.40pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
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It’s Christmas-New Year Bliss for Phillips but just who has his mare fallen in love with?
Prince set to sign off 2025 in style but Ray tips out two specials to follow in the New Year
Spiritual Bliss notches hat-trick and pushes Lincoln Farms’ season tally to record 43
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Wednesday at Auckland
Race 5: Prince Lincoln
5.10pm
“I can’t believe he’s not picked in four (on the HRNZ website). He actually headed Cyclone Rebel last start but switched off. We’ve added sliding blinds which seem to have helped in training and he’s got to be a good each-way chance. He just needs a bit of luck from six on the gate.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
5.10pm
“He’ll need some luck from the outside but hopefully he can still get a cheque. He doesn’t have as much speed as Prince Lincoln.”
Race 7: Spiritual Bliss
6pm
“I think she’ll be able to handle the rise in class. She’s a pretty good mare who keeps finding when the pressure goes on. It won’t be easy but she has a good draw and has already run a mile in 1:55.3.”
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
6pm
“It’s hard to know how she compares with Spiritual Bliss but I think they’re both chances. Debbie Lincoln is still the fastest three-year-old to win over 1700 metres around Alexandra Park and she was excellent again when just pipped by Tyson last time.”
Race 12: Tyson
8.38pm
“The rise in class won’t stop him. If they go a bit harder, he can still run a 56 half off a solid pace. He’s improving all the time, more than I thought he would. He could easily win again.”
Race 12: Leo Lincoln
8.38pm
“We threw him in the deep end first-up when he really needed another trial. That race will bring him on a bit but I think he’ll need another before we see him at his best.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Cambridge
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
1.38pm
“If Fergie drives him right, and can get the front, he should win. It was only a sprint up the straight last time and he’s not a sit-sprinter, he needs to be out and trucking. This is the weakest field he’s met.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
1.38pm
“Wide on the second row isn’t a good draw but she’s not brilliant out of the gate anyway. She’ll need a lot of luck.”
Race 9: Lincoln Maree
5.07pm
“She’s no superstar but, if things go her way, she’s a chance. She didn’t beat much at Manawatu but she’s the highest rated in the field and has a nice enough draw.”
