Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln show they’re ready to let rip in Queensland
Trainer Al Barnes will take Man Of Action and Larry Lincoln to the races next week with plenty of confidence after they all but dead-heated for first in a trial at Albion Park today.
Lincoln Farms’ latest imports contested a 1660 metre heat and finished with only a nose between them in the good mile rate of 1:54.8.
Both horses were handled quietly out of the gate, Hayden Barnes first to move on Larry Lincoln, taking the lead at the bell.
And after following him forward, Man Of Action then took the front for brother Brendan, rolling along freely, the last four quarters run in 28.2, 29.8, 28.7 and 28.4.
Man Of Action, inner, and Larry Lincoln all but dead-heat in a trial at Albion Park today.While he held on by the narrowest of margins, Al Barnes says Man Of Action will need a few little fixes before next week.
“Brendan was rapt but said the horse was hanging in a bit and we’ll give him an ultra sound because he’s feeling his hamstrings and stifles a bit. He humps up when you put the crupper on.
“Larry was doing it easily at the line and could have put a couple of lengths on the other horse the way he was cruising.
“Hayden was really happy with him. Both their heart rates were good - Larry’s was a little higher.
“They both did a bit of work in the run and are ready to go. There are a couple of nice races for them next Friday.”
Man Of Action, a last-start runner-up at Auckland, starts his Queensland campaign with a record of two wins and seven placings from 19 starts. Larry Lincoln, more of a sit-sprinter, has one win and one placing from seven starts.
More news in Harness
Spiritual Bliss and Lincoln Maree add to Lincoln Farms’ gallery of Manawatu heroes
Video clue on why Lincoln Lover is tipped to go boldly fresh-up at Auckland on Friday night
A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”

Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”

