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.
More news in Harness
Ray: Little Leo’s under-rated and he can give them a hurry-up at Auckland on Friday night
Forget the form line, Nemo is in Saturday’s race at Albion Park ‘right up to his ears’
Fine Cambridge double but Ray’s packing Lincoln Cove off to Matamata for scintigraphy
34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 6: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.34pm NZ time
This race will tell us how he measures up against the local horses. We decided to go for this lower graded race, despite having lower prize money, instead of going to the trials one more time. He won the second of two trials on April 21, beating race rival Hezrockinroyalty by four metres. Run over 2230 metres he clocked 57.7 for his last half and 1:59.7 for his last mile. From the pole he’ll start short and be hard to beat.
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
8.25pm
“He’s a beautiful little horse who doesn’t do anything wrong. He got held up at a crucial time last week and got home well (for sixth). He gets out pretty well so should get a good trip from two. He’ll go his usual honest race. He’s improving all the time, he’s a gutsy little guy, but whether he can measure up to the favourites remains to be seen.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.25pm
“He’s a work in progress and we’re still dabbling with his gear. He’s actually a naturally good-gaited horse, like all the American Ideals, but he’s going through a stage of not really knowing why he’s out there. You just don’t know when he’ll click but three is an ideal draw for him and he should be handy if he does things right.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
9.20pm
“He’s an under-rated horse, as good as those others who are higher rated. He’s proving to be a tidy horse and, while he’s not viewed as a serious player by some, I think he is. He was closing off really well last week behind Hugotastic.”
