Lincoln Dealer has the genes but not the barrier draw for Cambridge debut

Co-trainer Ray Green says he’s not holding his breath with Lincoln Dealer who could not have drawn any worse for his debut at Cambridge on Thursday night.

The American Ideal colt might have been a real looker when bought for $55,000 at the Karaka yearling sale in 2024 but Green says as a big horse he’s needed time to strengthen.

And, even now at three, Green says he tends to beat himself up on the track.

“He’s a bit of a handful, too keen for his own good sometimes, so I’ll be happy to see him just get round and do most things right.

“He’s no superstar but he’s coming to it slowly but surely. We’re throwing him in the deep end here a bit but we have to start somewhere.”

It’s not hard to see why Green was keen on Lincoln Dealer at New Zealand Bloodstock’s sale. Being out of the eight-race winner Voluntad, he is a half-brother to Sharkies Girl (8 wins). But, more importantly, Voluntad’s half sister Lively Nights left three headlining Lincoln Farms performers - dual New Zealand Trotting Cup winner Copy That (33 wins, $2m), My Copy (8 wins) and Sugar Ray Lincoln (5 wins).

Lincoln Dealer, who is raced by John and Lynne Street, the Yellow Barn Syndicate and Priscilla Edmunds, has had seven workouts and trials, three this prep, and ran second in the latest, a week ago, when he showed gate speed and was run down late after leading.

From the outside of the second row on Thursday night, driver Zachary Butcher will need plenty of luck on Lincoln Dealer whereas his stablemates Rivergirl Bella (two) and Jessie Lincoln (three) have drawn to get every chance.

“Rivergirl Bella is going as good as she can. She’s got a bit of speed but isn’t that strong. But she should get a nice trip and be right in the frame. She’ll win one soon.”

After enjoying a good trip last start at Cambridge, the Lazarus filly hit the lead 200 metres out, weakening only late to finish two and a half lengths behind the capable Miss Brabant, clocking a respectable 2:43.1.

Jessie Lincoln’s big sister Coastal Babe is now winning in America.Lather Up filly Jessie Lincoln has plenty of ability but, like Lincoln Dealer, is big and has taken time to mature.

And, even though she did nothing at Auckland on March 26 when resuming from a four-month spell, Green says she will definitely improve this time.

“She’s a good pacer and I expect her to go well.”

Jessie Lincoln has trialled since her resuming run, finishing three lengths behind Lincoln Dealer in third.

Jessie Lincoln has the breeding to make her mark being a half-sister to Victoria Oaks winnng filly Coastal Babe (13 wins), now racing successfully in America.

Lincoln Farms’ sole other runner on Thursday night, Lincoln Maree, will enjoy a drop in grade in the fourth race.

The filly held her ground until late last time, finishing seventh, but only 3.5 lengths behind Iron Mike Tyson in a much stronger field.

“She’s as tough as old boots and tries like hell and you can’t ask for much more than that. She just lacks a bit of speed but has a good attitude, wears no boots, and is just a nice filly who rarely misses a cheque.

“She usually finds one or two better than her but will make them work for it anyway.”