Lincoln Farms has pair to be reckoned with in Friday’s race named in honour of the Streets
By Barry Lichter • 13 July 2023
Frankie Major and Lincoln River give Lincoln Farms a strong chance of winning the appropriately named Congratulations John and Lynne Street for 1000 wins Pace at Auckland on Friday night.
The race, in honour of the Streets unprecedented feat of winning 1000 harness and gallops races, features some up-and-coming types but while Frankie Major and Lincoln River are both disadvantaged in the ratings, they have the ability to go close.
Frankie Major’s 72787 formline might look poor but he has roughed it in some much better fields and comes into the race rejuvenated after a five-month break.
After three workouts, trainer Ray Green had been confident of a good showing when he entered the horse for Auckand two weeks ago.
But a precautionary blood test, taken with a few of his stablemates exhibiting signs of a virus, came back poorly so Green pulled him out.
“It showed he had a bit of virus, enough to know he wouldn’t race any good. We were still able to keep working him but he’s missed a trial so he could be a bit below par.
“But he doesn’t need a lot of work, there’s nothing in the field that’s better than him, and he has a good (three) draw.”
Lincoln River … two of his three wins have been at Auckland. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.If lack of race fitness beats Frankie Major, Lincoln River has that covered, having placed in each of his last five starts.
Last week at Cambridge, Lincoln River looked a big winning chance when he launched up the passing lane, only to be outfinished by the far higher rated New York Minute and Rough And Ready.
“He just flattened out that last bit,” Green said. “But it was a good effort being only a three-year-old against tough older horses.”
That race was for rating 50 to 70 pacers, while Friday’s event is capped at rating 58, with the two top rated runners Brookies Jaffa (R58) and Hooray Henry (R57) handicapped on the outside of the gate.
Lincoln River, drawn two on the second row, will need luck himself but Green says he’s pretty happy with the gelding.
“He’s holding his form well and should go another good race. Frankie might be slightly the faster horse but they’re two very different types.”
Incredibly, the two horses have almost identical records, both having won three races and run five seconds in 23 starts.
Green will be hoping for even just average luck for My Copy when he lines up two races earlier.
The four-year-old half brother to champion Copy That hasn’t seen daylight in his last two races, under forcible restraint from driver Fergus Schumacher down the stretch at Cambridge last week.
“He’s been very unlucky but he’s really good, the best he’s ever been.
“He’s raced over 2700 metres only once but I don’t see that as an issue. We’re just hoping for a bit more luck this time.”
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Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
