Larry makes it look easy - and there’s plenty more to come, says Al of little speedster
By Barry Lichter • 30 October 2020
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.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.
More news in Harness
Spiritual Bliss and Lincoln Maree add to Lincoln Farms’ gallery of Manawatu heroes
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
