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Larry makes it look easy - and there’s plenty more to come, says Al of little speedster

Larry Lincoln should win plenty more races in Brisbane the way he scored at Albion Park tonight, tips trainer Al Barnes.

The Sweet Lou three-year-old made it three wins from five starts for Lincoln Farms since arriving in Queensland two months ago when he led virtually all the way to score as he liked.

And in downing Toanui Spirit by seven metres, Larry clocked a swift 1:54.1 mile rate for the 1660 metres, 3.4 seconds faster than he recorded in winning last week.

“He’s still improving,” said Barnes. “His heart rate was still high afterwards tonight - he took a few races to recover.

“He’s only going to get better and better and should work his way through the grades.

“He’ll be a 60-rater now but with a five point three-year-old concession he’ll drop to 55 and can get in a 50 to 55 race, which is like racing maidens and one-win horses.”

Larry Lincoln opens up in the straight to score an easy win.Larry Lincoln opens up in the straight to score an easy win.Barnes was impressed by the ease of Larry Lincoln’s win tonight.

“Hayden said he did it comfortably, well within himself. He got his own way and was able to deal in front.

“Admittedly it wasn’t a strong field, if anything it was a bit of a drop in grade on last week, which helped. And I think he might prefer miles rather than longer trips.”

Larry has been beaten in Brisbane only twice, both times when racing over 2138 metres.

“He’s got good speed and is very honest so he’ll win plenty more.

“I liked him from the moment he started trialling here. He’s just needed time to put it all together.”

Barnes’ recent move not to burn Larry out of the gate has also worked a treat, Hayden letting him come out under his own steam before working forward to the lead.

And from there Larry made it look easy, reeling off a 56.2 last half and 27.9 final quarter to return a healthy $3.10 win dividend.

Larry Lincoln’s Australian bank balance now stands at A$11,095.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm

“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”

Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm

“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”

Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm

“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm

“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”

Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm

“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”

Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm

“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”

Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm

“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”

Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm

“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”

Dan Costello Race Photography