Otaki trials: Lisa reveals her big improvers and our jockeys give exclusive video reports

A horse with a shocking formline and another who was refusing to even jump from the gates looked the big improvers of six Lincoln Farms horses who trialled at Otaki yesterday.

Rider Charlotte O’Beirne rode both Lincoln Dreamer and the recalcitrant Platinum Volos and tells in our exclusive post-trial video reports just how well the improved pair is going.

Lincoln Dreamer jumped straight to the lead for O’Beirne in her five-horse 1200 metre heat and, ridden only hands and heels, was headed only in the last few strides by Finding Nemo, going down by a neck.

It was a nice stepping stone from his last trial at Foxton three weeks ago, when he was beaten a head and a nose, and told trainer Lisa Latta he was ready to go back to the races.

“He has just kept improving and will head to Wanganui on June 1 for a maiden 1340 metres.’’

Lincoln Dreamer might have a bleak 885900 formline but Latta says the Savabeel four-year-old is a much better galloper now and will appreciate a bit of moisture in the tracks.

Platinum Volos, pictured winning the Wellington Guineas Trial, behaved himself well in the gates yesterday. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.So too will Platinum Volos who is on the comeback trail after being stood down from racing for twice refusing to jump from the gates - at Wanganui last September and Awapuni last November.

Pacifiers and a barrier blanket didn’t help Platinum Volos in the latest of those races but Beirne said he did everything right yesterday when taken into the gates with a blindfold, the same gear that has worked with Almo Street.

The four-year-old Dalghar grey jumped smartly yesterday and trailed capable galloper Detentore to the turn, before hooking out and maintaining a strong run to the line.

Platinum Volos was one and a half lengths astern of Fraser Auret’s three race winner, and the same margin ahead of Nashville, winner of 15 races and just under $1 million. They cut out the 1000 metres on a slow 8 track in 60.35.

“He’ll need to trial again before being allowed back,’’ says Latta. “But he’s coming up at the right time because he likes wet tracks.’’

Platinum Volos showed a lot of promise as a three-year-old - beating Divine Power and Malambo in the Wellington Guineas Trial in one of his two wins.

Johnny Lincoln winning his sole race, at Wanganui, in February, 2106. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Robbie Hannam was at his jovial best with a tongue-in-cheek report on his favourite horse Johnny Lincoln after he ran a solid second in an open 1200 metre heat.

Hannam, who rides Johnny in trackwork every morning, trailed third in the running before shaking him up to lead halfway down the straight.

And while run down by two lengths by the talented Kevin Myers’ runner Cover Drive, he still pleased Hannam and Latta.

“He will race at Awapuni next Thursday in a rating 65 1550 metre race.’’

The six-year-old Savabeel gelding, who has not raced for four months, doesn’t have a great strike rate with only one win from 30 starts.

“But he’s run a lot of placings (13) and is a strong horse who likes it really wet.’’

Latta has also picked out a race for Platinum Spirit who ran a close fourth in his 1000 metre heat.

“I will see how he comes through the trial but I may head to Wellington with him on June 8 for a maiden two-year-old.

“I was happy with his run. He sat just in behind the speed and Robbie Hannam looked after him to the line.’’

Ajay Lincoln … nearly died of pneumonia at two. PHOTO: Royden Williams.Ajay Lincoln will have another gallop at the Levin jumpouts on June 5 before he goes back to the races.

He came from the tail of the field for O’Beirne in his 1000 metre heat, making good ground late for sixth.

The Sebring three-year-old is looking like a promising staying type but Latta is taking him along slowly.

“He went through a lot at two and all but died of pneumonia.’’

Lincoln Melody will go to the same jumpouts after having a good blow when finishing fourth of four for Tim Johnson behind Detentore, Platinum Volos and Nashville.