Lenny’s no rock star but he’s drawn to tune them up at Cambridge on Friday night
From gate four, Vincent two-year-old Lenny Lincoln looks best of Lincoln Farms’ three runners at Cambridge on Friday night.
The improving gelding has finished second in two recent runs on the course, powering home from well back last start behind the well backed favourite The Surfer.
And trainer Ray Green says moving in two spots on the front row this week could be all Lenny needs to notch his first win.
Instead of having to go back and mount his challenge three wide, with only a little luck, driver Andre Poutama should be able to secure a trip handy to the pace.
“He seems to like Cambridge and I can’t see why he won’t be hard to beat. On paper he looks the best of our lot.”
The only recent glitch in Lenny Lincoln’s immediate form line was a sixth, when he couldn’t make ground from the back on Duchess Megxit’s 55.5 last half at Auckland.
Green believes his other maiden, Obadiah Dragon, also has a strong chance earlier in the night when he will enjoy starting from two on the front row.
Drawn the second row at Manawatu on Monday, Obadiah Dragon became snookered three back on the markers and Poutama was in tight quarters trying to find room in the run home, finishing a close fourth, just a head and a nose from second.
“I thought it was a good run. Things just didn’t happen for him at the right time and he got out only late.
“From a decent draw he’ll have no excuses this time. I could see him getting a cheque.”
Conquer Clare hasn’t been so fortunate with the draw in the eighth race, landing the outside of the eight-horse field.
But the quality of opposition is well down on her last start at Auckland when 11th, but only 3.9 lengths from winner Kourtney Kardash.
The former southern mare was in heavy traffic turning in, speared through a gap halfway down, then came to the end of her run 50 metres out.
“She wasn’t spectacular but I thought she was OK,” Green said.
“She’s better suited here and is a very honest little mare who should go well but eight is a bad draw in any field and negates any enthusiasm.”
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
4.50pm
“Forget he went round at Auckland where the opposition was much too tough for him. He’s a regular placegetter in the amateur races at Cambridge and look for him late.”
Race 7: Im Not The Maid
7.07pm
“She ran another good race for third here last time but enjoyed a perfect trip in the trail. From the outside of the gate this will be a bit tougher for her but she’s up to running a hole.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 2: Frisco Bay
5.19pm
“He wouldn’t have been a chance in the $100,000 race but these ones are more like him. The draw’s a bit niggly but he’s racing well and I’m looking forward to seeing where he sits.”
Race 10: Lincoln Lou
9.28pm
“It’s a strong line-up but the good draw of four will help. I won’t be telling Sam (Thornley) what to do but the horse has big speed if he wants to use it. ”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.28pm
“He’s at the mercy of the ones drawn in front of him. Hopefully Bar Louie doesn’t stand on his head at the start. I’d rather have been on the outside to be honest but if Ricky (May) can get a good trip, he’ll be right there.”
Race 12: The Big Lebowski
10.23pm
“He certainly looks good in this field which is a dramatic drop in class. He does look to stand over them. I just hope he doesn’t stuff it up.”