Nigel: Improved Lincoln Springs set to go one better at Avondale on Wednesday

Lincoln Springs has improved dramatically on his fresh-up run and is clearly the one to beat in the second race at Avondale on Wednesday.

Trainer Nigel Tiley was delighted with the giant Foxwedge three-year-old’s effort at Ruakaka on January 4 when, despite being a shade slow from the gates, he rushed up to lead and fought back strongly for second.

Tiley says rider Leith Innes reported he heard Lincoln Springs lose a plate on jumping - “he must have heard it hit the barriers.”

“He could have stood on it when he jumped and that may have been why he was a fraction slow to move.

“Leith then had no option but to dig him up to take advantage of the inside barrier draw and the (on speed) pattern of racing on the day.”

Lincoln Springs was also tackled a long way from home by eventual hollow winner Son Of Bielski.

“He did a bit of work but never gave it away. I thought he was going to finish third or fourth, and that would have been a good run, but to kick back and hold on for second was excellent.”

Tiley says the run was definitely brought the horse on.

“I’m very happy with him. He’s come on immensely. It’s not ideal being out in gate nine but he’s a big horse and Leith will let him find his own way across.

“He’s a progressive horse and I’d like to see him clear maidens in his next couple of starts if he’s to go where we think he can.

“He’s a definite winning chance on Wednesday.”

Lincoln Thunder walks in front of Lincoln Springs after a morning trackwork session at Pukekohe. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Thunder has surgery

Just as Lincoln Springs is on the verge of showing his undoubted ability, stablemate Lincoln Thunder is beginning his recovery after having surgery to remove bone chips yesterday.

Tiley had Lincoln Thunder checked out after he became scratchy in his work and on Monday vets removed a number of bone chips from both knees.

“They weren’t very big but there were quite a few floating chips and we now just have to hope the operation was successful and there’ll be no problems moving forward.

“Knees are the most difficult injuries to manage but with any luck he’ll be OK after his rehab which will take about six months.”

Tiley says the success of knee operations is mixed and a little dependent on whether the horse can handle wet tracks. Firm footing increased concussion on the joints, a scenario that has just seen Lincoln Raider turned out by trainer Lisa Latta. Lincoln Raider had a bone chip removed from his knee 11 months ago and came back to winning form in December.