Larry loves his cuddles so Al’s happy he’s off to a great new home with Leah in the States

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.