Lincoln Linda best of the night at Cambridge - she has the engine to cross Soul Artist

Lincoln Linda is fast and tough, two attributes which co-trainer Ray Green believes can see her back in the winner’s circle at Cambridge on Thursday night.

Lincoln Linda ($2.15) takes on hollow second-up winner Soul Artist $2.30) in the fourth race and while that mare has drawn inside her in the ace, Green expects his filly to find the front.

When sent out a hot favourite last time at Cambridge, Soul Artist engaged in an early speed duel with Katies Princess, galloping for driver James Stormont just before the first turn.

Green figures new driver David Butcher will be wary of using the same tactics this time whereas Lincoln Linda’s driver Peter Ferguson will have plenty of confidence he can open the throttle on Lincoln Linda.

When last on the course Lincoln Linda began fast from gate five to wrestle the lead from Miki Mirage before then being worked over by Dear God.

Despite the early exertions, Lincoln Linda was run down only in the shadows of the post, going down by half a length to Skys Legacy in a slick 2:42 for the 2200 metres.

“I thought she went super,” said Green, senior trainer for Lincoln Farms. “She can do that because she has an engine and is tough.

“She’s a bit one dimensional - you have to turn her loose early - but from the two draw she should be able to lead and that’s where she does her best work.”

Back in distance to 1700 metres on Thursday night, Green sees Lincoln Linda as the stable’s best chance of the night.

Sugar Ray’s back

But Green is looking forward to seeing what a three month break has done for Sugar Ray Lincoln, who opened the $3.60 favourite for the fifth race.

“He’s been a slow developer and I think he’s a bit stronger after his spell. It’s not a great field - most will die on that mark - and I don’t see a problem with the standing start as he’s nicely gaited. He gets a bit antsy if they hold him up for too long, he has been known to put the boot in.”

Sugar Ray Lincoln, who sarts from 10 metres, has yet to race from behind the tapes but he stepped well in his only trial last October.

“He could be marginally unfit but he’s done quite a bit of work and I can see him going a half-decent race.”

Green has engaged leading junior driver Harrison Orange in the hope of a penalty-free win.

The Night Fox scoring a strong all-the-way win at Cambridge two starts back in 2:41.Orange is also on The Night Fox ($3.30, $1.35) in the last race, giving his co-trainer and owner Nathan Delany another strong winning chance.

“You’d think he’d lead easily from the inside,” Green said. “He’s had bad draws and still got the money, so I’m sure he’ll go another good race.

“I’m surprised they sold him so cheaply. He’s better than people think.”

The Night Fox was left a sitting duck when parked throughout last week, battling bravely for third behind Jahi and Billy The Kid.

Lincoln Maree ($6.50, $1.75) needs only an ounce of luck to finish in the money again in the sixth race.

The Sweet Lou filly had every chance last week, securing the one-one trail after starting from barrier three, and being beaten just a half head and a neck.

She moves out to gate six on Thursday night but Green says he can’t see why she won’t go well again.

“She’s as honest as they come and tries like hell.”

Rivergirl Bella ($13, $2.80) meets a few better rivals in the opening race but showed improvement last start when 1.8 lengths third to Twist And Tango.

“She did well as she had to do a bit to get to the lead and she dug in and fought on. She’s certainly a chance if she repeats that effort.”