Robbie Hannam is all smiles as he brings Lincoln Star back to scale at Awapuni. PHOTO: Race Images.
Little pro Lincoln Star to be tested over ground on Boxing Day
By Barry Lichter • 17 December 2018
What Lincoln Star lacks in size he makes up for in courage.
And that’s what trainer Lisa Latta says should stand by the four-year-old when she steps him up over ground at his next start.
Lincoln Star justified his favouritism and Latta’s confidence in him when he powered home to win at Awapuni last Saturday, his performance really capturing rider Robbie Hannam.
“Robbie was rapt in him,’’ says Latta. “He did everything right, like a little professional. He’s not very big, but he tries hard.
“And Robbie had to really use him out of the gates to get into that winning position.’’
Lincoln Star makes it look easy with a clearcut win at Awapuni. PHOTO: Race Images.Kicked up to fifth on the rails, Lincoln Star travelled easily and, carrying top weight of 59.5kg, responded immediately when Hannam asked him to improve on the turn.
“Robbie said he had to give one quite a bang to get out on the turn and a lot of little horses won’t do that.
“The way he got home Robbie definitely thinks he’ll get over ground. He’s bred to stay and he gets his head down like a stayer.’’
Latta plans to find out on Boxing Day when she will run him over 2100 metres, again on his home course at Awapuni.
‘He’s had the mileage - a 1400 metre race and two over 1600 metres so he’s ready for it.’’
Lincoln Star has the breeding to excel over ground and reach a good level being by champion sire of stayers Savabeel out of the Group performer Dating.
From the family of good stayers Lumley Lass and Mister Pompous, he cost owners John and Lynne Street $180,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s premier yearling sale at Karaka.
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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.”