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: Sammy Lincoln
6.45pm
“He’s always had ability, he’s just needed to be inspired. But he’s starting to get the idea and it’s not a big field this week. He’s getting money every week and is an each-way chance again.”
Race 5: Jessie Lincoln
7.11pm
“She got home better than anything last week and that was her first run for a while so you’d expect she’ll improve on that.”
Race 5: Omaha Lincoln
7.11pm
“He put in a couple of steps last week, reaching for his hopples. But we’ve pulled his gear up a bit tighter and hopefully that will fix that. You could argue he’s the best horse in the race but I wouldn’t say he stands over them as he’s still very green, and has a lot to learn, and that might hold him up a little bit. But he’s certainly a good winning chance.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“I thought he went pretty well first-up. He did a lot of work early and should improve with the run.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.37pm
“You can’t condemn her on last week’s run (when she broke) but this is a very strong race.”
