Little pro Lincoln Star to be tested over ground on Boxing Day

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.