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
Sammy Lincoln can make amends on Friday after narrow escape - Spiritual Bliss too
Canny Fergie drive gets Lincoln Lover home at Taupo - and it won’t be his last win
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
6.18pm
“He was checked and locked wheels into the first turn last week and he had a decent puncture wound in his leg from where they ran into him so you certainly couldn’t condemn him for galloping. He’s a really nice horse, who is going to win races quickly. He hasn’t missed any work, and should be right in it.”
Race 3: Lincoln Wave
6.43pm
“He’s drawn wide again (six) but he’s good enough to get the job done. It’s a bit more of a test for him but there are no cup horses in there and he’s a pretty nice horse. We’ve waited for both him and Sammy Lincoln because of their setbacks at two but it’s been worth it.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
7.11pm
“He was very tough in winning after sitting parked last week. He’s awkwardly drawn again but he tries hard and, with a bit of luck and a good trip, he can get some of it.”
Race 6: Tyson
8.08pm
“Completely forget his run last week when he had no luck in the running. He’s a definite chance.”
Race 6: Spiritual Bliss
8.08pm
“She took no harm from the incident last Friday and has trained on well. I think she’ll go well. If you analyse her run, they went down the back in 27.8 and she did well to finish on for fourth after sitting parked.”
