Loyal supporters share in the thrill of Lou’s first win - thanks to a pearler from Andre

Some of Lincoln Farms’ most loyal supporters shared in the excitement of Lincoln Lou’s first win at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

Thanks to a great tactical drive by Andre Poutama, Excell syndicate boss Christine Stuart found herself making another speech in the hospitality room after Lincoln Lou stole the second race with some pedestrian sectionals.

The 10-member group of women, all originally from Hunua, who got together 20 years ago to outdo their husbands, who were involved in racing syndicates, have raced numerous winners since in partnership with Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street.

Lincoln Farms’ owner John Street, left, with one of his partners Phil Kelly pose with Lincoln Lou.And joining them in this latest colt are also long-time Lincoln Farms partners from the South Island, the Green Machine Racing syndicate and the Athenry syndicate, along with the Cantabrians Plus One syndicate, Margaret and Alana Rabbitt, Brad Baine, Phil Kelly and David Turner.

Stuart thanked Turner, in particular, as one of the Auckland Trotting Club stewards who always made them feel welcome in their post-race celebrations.

The group didn’t have to wait long for Lincoln Lou to salute the judge, the little colt triumphing in only his second start and first at Alexandra Park.

Trainer Ray Green wasn’t in the least bit surprised by the early success, after his solid debut at Cambridge when the fancied Tony Herlihy pair of Great White and Roy Kent bettered him in what was only a sprint home.

“I thought he was a chance if he led tonight but I did wonder what Andre was doing when he went round the field. But as it turned out, it was the winning move.”

Poutama quickly extricated himself from fourth on the markers and moseyed forward during a sedate 33.4 second quarter to take up the running at the bell.

And after he was allowed to crawl through the next 400 down the back in only 32.1, his rivals were really up against it as he motored home in a 27.9 quarter.

Lincoln Lou (Andre Poutama) has plenty in reserve to beat Sadhaka. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.“He did it easily in the end,” Poutama said. “And there was still a wee bit there at the finish.”

Lincoln Lou only had to run the 1700 metres in 2:09.1, a mile rate of 2:02.2 to score by half a length from the trailing Sadhaka and southern debutant Justyouwait who sprinted fast and late down the outside.

Lincoln Farms paid $40,000 for the Sweet Lou colt as a yearling, familiar with his family having previously raced (Let’s) Strike The Gold for 15 wins here and in Australia.

But by far the most famous of dam Sea The Gold’s progeny was (The) Gold Ace who won 22 races including six Group One features.

Lincoln Farms went back to the well last month buying his Downbytheseaside half brother for $62,500.