Lincoln’s Girl only has to be running on strongly to get the big tick again from Al

Lincoln’s Girl will be tested from the outside of the gate at Albion Park on Friday but only has to repeat her run of Tuesday to satisfy trainer Al Barnes that she’s on the right track.

The Lincoln Farms owned filly might have finished only seventh last start but she was forced to start outside the draw after her previous gallop and ended up near the rear of the field.

Shunted out five wide on the home turn when mounting a run from the back, Lincoln’s Girl impressed driver Hayden Barnes with her strong finishing final 100 metres.

“She settled well, drove well and finished well off some good sectionals - 56.5 and 28.3 - so I was very happy.

“And she had a good blow afterwards so she’s still improving.’’

Barnes says to see Lincoln’s Girl still winding up after sprinting for 300 metres augurs well for her future.

“If she has a nice strong 400 metres in her then we’ll be right.’’

With Hayden committed to driving the horse he owns, Auckland Reactor debutante Dream Reaction, Lincoln’s Girl will be piloted by Chris Geary, a worthy stand-in according to Barnes.

“He doesn’t know her but if she can just be running on again, that’s all we want to see.’’

Safely through Friday’s race, Lincoln’s Girl can return to the draw and be more competitive at her next start.

Lincoln’s Girl lines up in the third race at 3.53pm NZ time.