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
Ray: Little Leo’s under-rated and he can give them a hurry-up at Auckland on Friday night
Forget the form line, Nemo is in Saturday’s race at Albion Park ‘right up to his ears’
Fine Cambridge double but Ray’s packing Lincoln Cove off to Matamata for scintigraphy
34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 6: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.34pm NZ time
This race will tell us how he measures up against the local horses. We decided to go for this lower graded race, despite having lower prize money, instead of going to the trials one more time. He won the second of two trials on April 21, beating race rival Hezrockinroyalty by four metres. Run over 2230 metres he clocked 57.7 for his last half and 1:59.7 for his last mile. From the pole he’ll start short and be hard to beat.
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
8.25pm
“He’s a beautiful little horse who doesn’t do anything wrong. He got held up at a crucial time last week and got home well (for sixth). He gets out pretty well so should get a good trip from two. He’ll go his usual honest race. He’s improving all the time, he’s a gutsy little guy, but whether he can measure up to the favourites remains to be seen.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.25pm
“He’s a work in progress and we’re still dabbling with his gear. He’s actually a naturally good-gaited horse, like all the American Ideals, but he’s going through a stage of not really knowing why he’s out there. You just don’t know when he’ll click but three is an ideal draw for him and he should be handy if he does things right.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
9.20pm
“He’s an under-rated horse, as good as those others who are higher rated. He’s proving to be a tidy horse and, while he’s not viewed as a serious player by some, I think he is. He was closing off really well last week behind Hugotastic.”
