Lincoln Farms’ quality pair Lincoln King and Platinum Invador primed for big cups
By Barry Lichter • 12 February 2021
Lincoln Farms’ two pronged assault on the $500,000 Auckland Cup is right on target with both Lincoln King and Platinum Invador primed for a final lead-up in Saturday week’s $100,000 Avondale Cup at Ellerslie.
The line-up for the March 13 feature at Ellerslie is already down to 18 with Platinum Invador the equal second favourite at $5 and Lincoln King on the fourth line of betting at $12.
And the trainers of both quality stayers are happy with their charges, Stephen Marsh in particular brimming with confidence about Lincoln King.
“I’m really happy with him and can’t fault him,” said Marsh. “He’s bounced out of his last race very well and I thought it was a super run.”
Lincoln King is nosed out by Dragon Storm in the New Zealand Cup. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.Starting at Pukekohe over only 1600 metres, which is way short of his best, the New Zealand Cup runner-up was last on straightening but ran past all but winner Royal Performer in the home straight.
“He’s pretty fit - he doesn’t take a whole heap for a stayer, which is good - and he’s right on track for the Avondale Cup next week.”
Hot jockey Danielle Johnson has been confirmed for the Avondale Cup (2400m) ride and Marsh says there’s a strong chance she will stay aboard for the Auckland Cup (3200m).
Lisa Latta says Platinum Invador is also looking good for the staying features.
Pipped by the smallest of noses possible in the City Of Auckland Cup (2400m) two starts back he did all that Latta expected when, freshened, he ran ninth in the Taranaki Cup on February 6.
Platinum Invador pipped by Savy Yong Blonk in the City of Auckland Cup. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Ridden handier than usual in midfield to make use of a good draw, Platinum Invador found the 1800 metres far too short and was outpaced in the run home.
“He finished about the same distance from the winner as last year (4.9 lengths, compared with 5.4 lengths) and I was happy with the run.”
Ryan Elliot retains the ride next Saturday at Ellerslie where Platinum Invador has turned in his best runs, including a third in the Auckland Cup last year after a rocky run.
Shadow field
The shadow field for the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup is:
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Trentham
Race 2: Platinum Tyche
1.05pm
“This is a big drop-back in class for her as her last two races have been very strong rating 75s. The track at Otaki was particularly wet and she just didn’t handle it. She has come through that run in fantastic order and is very bright and well. She shouldn’t be too far off the leaders from the good draw and I expect her to bounce back to form providing we get a decent track.”
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.43pm
“He drew the outside barrier in this race last year and has been dealt the same card again. He couldn’t be looking any better though and his work has been phenomenal. He is right where he needs to be to win a race like this. We are going to need some luck from the draw but Craig Grylls knows him well now and I thought that he is certainly one of the better horses in the race. If he gets clear air at the right time then he will finish with a big run.”