Line Up, untested on debut at Auckland, is still under treatment for a virus. PHOTO: Race Images.
Line Up still under the weather so it’s up to Perfect Stride to strike for Emilio
By Barry Lichter • 4 March 2019
Classy Lincoln Farms’ colt Line Up will miss Friday night’s $100,000 Young Guns Final at Auckland.
Trainer Ray Green withdrew the super impressive debut winner today, saying he simply hasn’t recovered as well as he’d hoped from the virus which has set back many in his team.
“We just had to flag it with him,’’ says Green. “He’s better but not quite good enough to run. He’s missed too much work and I don’t want to set him back further by racing him when I know he wouldn’t be at his best.’’
Green administered more drugs to Line Up today to help him shake off the bug which has swept Pukekohe stables in recent weeks.
“We’ll just have to wait until the Sires Stakes with him.’’
The first northern heat of that series is run at Cambridge on April 18.
Owner Emilio Rosati had some consolation when his other runner the speedy Perfect Stride drew beautifully in two for Friday night’s final.
Though he too has been under the weather recently, and missed the February 8 heat won by Line Up, and last week’s heat, Green says he’s had a bit more work than the other horse.
“He’ll be competitive and the draw will help him.’’
Green’s only other starter in the final, Sir Tiger, was again out of luck drawing the outside of the eight-horse field.
One inside him, in seven, is the All Stars’ pre-post favourite Smooth Deal.
Lincoln Farms’ sole rep in the Fillies’ Young Guns Final, Hilary Barry will get her chance from the ace draw, with the red hot fancy Sweet On Me on her back.
More news in Harness
Omaha Lincoln long in the odds but he has enough toe to say he won’t be entirely beached
Watch Sammy Lincoln charge home and you’ll want to be on at Cambridge on Thursday night
Lincoln Wave scorches in, still on target for richer races and Sammy’s making progress too
Johnny Lincoln’s big ticker will stand to him in the States and Lover’s also sold to Aussie
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Omaha Lincoln
4.49pm
“He’s never been to Cambridge, and it’s his first time off the place, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go well - he’s certainly got enough speed to do the business. It’s guesswork trying to assess him against the others but I think he’ll do everything right so he’s a chance.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
6.51pm
“She is a bit one-dimensional - she’ll take charge of proceedings when the gate leaves. She could get parked but if she got a cheque I’d be happy.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.22pm
“He was taking ground off the winner last week and I don’t think the step up to 2700 will make much difference, he’s race fit now. He’ll do what he can do, he’s no champion, but he’s got the draw, he steps well and he won’t be far away.”
Race 7: Lincoln Wave
7.52pm
“The draw is awkward over the sprint distance at Cambridge but he’s absolutely capable of being right in the fray if he happened to get a good trip - he’s an improver every time he goes to the races. Not many of the others have run 1:54.”
Race 7: Sammy Lincoln
7.52pm
“I thought he did well to finish third last week after being parked out. The draw makes it very hard but he’s got real speed and if he dropped into it late, it wouldn’t surprise me if he got home really well.”
Race 10: Spiritual Bliss
9.24pm
“They’ll know they’ve been to the races if she gets any kind of trip. She was parked the whole way last time in 1:52 and wasn’t far off them. I don’t really want to see her parked again but you’d think Tytate would duck for cover knowing we’d say in front. She’s tough and reliable - she hasn’t gone a bad race since we’ve had her - and you know she’ll put herself in the race.”
Race 10: Another Cullect
9.24pm
“The outside is not a good draw for her but, if they go hard, it will suit her.”
