Enjoying the win, Excell syndicate members, from left, Christine Stuart, Margaret Rabbitt, Christine Rupp and Lynda Irwin-Parsons.
Loyal supporters share in the thrill of Lou’s first win - thanks to a pearler from Andre
By Barry Lichter • 9 March 2024
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.
More news in Harness
Prince Lincoln finally shows what he’s made of - and, wow, was that a blazing demolition!
Hey Wendy and Amy, go easy of Fergs as he’s doing a sterling job taming Lincoln Linda
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
