Leith Innes will pilot Platinum Invador in Saturday’s $500,000 Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.
Lethal Leith’s back on Invador for Saturday’s Auckland Cup and Lincoln King draws well
By Barry Lichter • 10 March 2021
Top jockey Leith Innes will be reunited with leading chance Platinum Invador in Saturday’s $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.
And in other good news for Lincoln Farms, this morning’s barrier draw saw both Platinum Invador and Lincoln King draw well for the 3200 metre staying feature.
Platinum Invador will jump from the middle of the field in gate nine and trainer Stephen Marsh’s prayers for a low gate for Lincoln King were answered with slot three.
Innes has not ridden Platinum Invador for 12 months when he finished a brave third in the Auckland Cup after a rocky run and in three other rides on the speedy stayer he won the 2020 City Of Auckland Cup and was pipped a nose in the 2020 Avondale Cup.
Platinum Invador showed he was peaking beautifully for this year’s event when powering home from well back for a close fourth in the Avondale Cup on February 20 after getting into strife under Ryan Elliot turning for home.
Avondale Cup runner-up Sound fared poorly in today’s draw, landing gate 15, with the other two top weights also disadvantaged - In A Twinkling in 16 and 2020 winner Roger That in the outside stall of 17.
Avondale Cup winner Robusto is nicely spotted in six.
Leading jockey Danielle Johnson has confirmed she will ride Lincoln King, who finished less then three lengths behind Robusto in the Avondale Cup after getting well out of his ground.
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Lisa’s comments
Thursday at Otaki
Race 7: Lincoln Falls
4.23pm
“I thought it was a great run at Otaki where he was beaten on the line coming off a one week back-up. He sets up a lot nicer here with 12 days between races. He came through that last run really well and drops down to 53kg. Ace Lawson-Carroll should be able to get into a nice position from the six draw and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right in the finish again.”
Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Wanganui
Race 2: Lincoln’s Kruz
12.45pm
“ I thought he was very gallant last start finishing fifth on a heavy track, which we know doesn’t suit him. We should be running on a track in the soft range on Saturday which I think will play into his favour. He is going to need a touch of luck from the nine draw, but this is certainly the weakest field he has come up against for some time. Ace Lawson-Carroll will ride claiming 2kg.”
Stephen’s comments
Saturday at Te Rapa
Race 1: Billy Lincoln
11.55am
“His work has been good - he galloped beautifully in company last Saturday. It looks like the track will be playing quite well which will really suit him. He’s had a terrific prep and can go out for a spell after this run. I love a horse that keeps improving and he certainly has.”