Mark thrilled as Tommy trials in a sizzling 1:52.1 - running clear of a NZ Cup winner
By Barry Lichter • 17 August 2022
Trainer Mark Dux is eagerly studying the programme guide to find the right race for Tommy Lincoln after his outstanding trial at Albion Park on Tuesday.
Having his first serious hit-out since last racing on July 2, Tommy Lincoln took an early trail in his four-horse heat over 1660 metres, before easing out 400 metres from home and running clear of former New Zealand Cup winner Cruz Bromac to win by 8.3 metres.
Most impressive of all, Tommy clocked a sizzling mile rate of 1:52.1, closing in slick sectionals of 56.1 and 26.7.
“He was really good,” Dux said. “Cruz Bromac is no slug so he’s obviously in fine fettle.
“He wasn’t out there to run time but you can only do what the leader wants to.”
Dux said he was really happy with the way Tommy had come up after a week’s break.
“He needed a freshen up - he’d had some tough racing.”
Angus Garrard has driven Tommy Lincoln to three of his six wins in Brisbane. PHOTO: Dan Costello.Other factors had also played against the horse on his last prep, like the persistent run of wet weather which saw him unable to work the horse properly.
“We also had trouble getting the right races for him during the carnival. But most of the top (interstate) horses have gone home now.”
Driver Angus Garrard was moved to declare after the heat that Tommy Lincoln one of the best going round in the state given the feel the horse gave him.
Dux said it didn’t surprise him how forward Tommy was despite not having raced for nearly two months.
“He gets himself fitter faster than most horses. He’s not one to pussy foot around - he gets in and wants to do it.
“I’m really happy with him, and he’s pulled up terrific, but I’d like to start him in a mile if I can and next week’s race is over 2138 metres.
“I might wait a week and give him another trial. We’ll drive him cold - it will do his confidence good to travel nicely and dash the last bit.
“I’ll see what races are on in the next month and work out a plan.”
In 28 starts in Queensland Tommy Lincoln has racked up six wins and six placings for A$68,808 in stakes.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
6.59pm
“He was tough again in winning last week. He’s trained on well, is in good shape, and should be right in it.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.59pm
“He’s finally getting his act together - he’s gone three good races in a row - and seemingly turned the corner. We’ve had a lot of (vet) work done on him, his feet in particular, and it’s paid off. There’s not much between him and Tyson.”
Race 5: Rivergirl Bella
7.23pm
“She’ll need everything to go her way from the draw. But she’s got a bit of speed. She’s getting there. She wasn’t very strong before and wasn’t tracking too well, but she’s driving right now.”
Race 5: Lincoln Linda
7.23pm
“She’s had a few issues, mostly mental ones, and is still a bit of a handful. It wasn’t very pretty last week but we’re slowly getting her under control. The outside draw might actually help her.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.23pm
“She needs only a half decent trip to feature. She got held up a little bit in the straight at a crucial time last week and that was that.”
Race 6: Prince Lincoln
7.49pm
“He’s drawn the best of ours in three. He got cheated for a run last week. It’s hard to know where he’d have finished without that.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.49pm
“Ferg reckoned if he’d been able to hold up in the trail last week he would have won. He was very bullish about how he’d gone. The draw’s no help but he can do a bit of work. He’s an honest little guy who saves his best for when the money’s up on racenight.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
7.49pm
“He got a bit keen last week but he should be a lot better this time. He’s still learning and he’s a slow learner. When he does things correctly he’s a pretty nice horse. Hopefully he can get a suck into it from the second row draw.”
