Lincoln Sky (Madan Singh) looked headed for better things when winning at just his third start at Otaki. PHOTO: Race Images.
Lincoln Sky shows some spark, lifting hopes he can make a successful comeback
By Barry Lichter • 5 April 2020
Comeback galloper Lincoln Sky gave Beaudesert trainer Ben Ahrens a tiny glimpse of his ability when given a quiet gallop last week.
The Savabeel four-year-old who was sidelined last August with bone chips in a knee, was doing only three-quarter pace over 600 metres, when Ahrens, riding his galloping companion, came up alongside turning for home.
“When I got alongside his quarters he really went for 50 metres and showed a nice turn of foot,” Ahrens said. “It wasn’t what we intended but it’s good to see he’s got a bit of spark there and is willing to pick the bit up and go when challenged by another horse.”
Ahrens was pleased to report the horse came through the run fine, benefitting from many months of rehab with Lincoln Farms’ harness trainer Al Barnes at Marburg.
Lincoln Sky was sent to Australia last June after just eight starts for a win and two placings, trainer Lisa Latta revealing his potential in February when sixth in a very strong Waikato Guineas field, just a nose behind stablemate Lincoln Falls.
X-rays of Lincoln Sky’s right knee showed degeneration and fragmentation of the third carpal bone.But Randwick trainer John Sargent had no sooner got the horse to the races than the morning after his first start he was a “shade noddy” in his off foreleg.
X-rays at the Randwick Equine Centre revealed two bone chips and, on advice from Sargent that the horse was worth continuing with, owners John and Lynne Street gave the okay for surgery.
Under general anaesthesia, bone fragments and associated unhealthy bone and cartilage were removed, before he was sent to Queensland for R and R.
Ahrens says Lincoln Sky, a $180,000 yearling buy, is now only a week away from having some fast work.
“Hopefully in the next month or so we’ll have him up and ready to trial and not long after that we should be looking for somewhere to race.”
Ahrens says the regionalisation of racing in Queensland in response to the COVID-19 outbreak shouldn’t disadvantage Lincoln Sky who it is hoped will make his mark over ground.
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Otaki
Race 3: Platinum Tyche
1:19pm
“I couldn’t be happier with her work and she has certainly improved from her first-up run when she did not have all favours. I don’t think it’s the strongest of fields and the forecast is looking good so I think she will get her chance to bounce back to winning form. Bruno Queiroz rides from gate four.”
Race 5: Platinum Attack
2:29pm
“He drew badly in 19 but they will start only 14 so he will come in to 13 or 14. The positive is there is good speed in the race with Shoes, Party Rocking and Idyllic who all go forward. I couldn’t be happier with him - his final work on Wednesday morning on the course proper was as strong as ever. He still has his summer coat and is looking fantastic. It’s a similar field to the one he beat last start at Trentham and Bruno Queiroz just needs to find some luck in the running.”