Our top gallops and harness trainers reveal their Christmas-New Year stars
By Barry Lichter • 24 December 2020
LIsa Latta … racking up the winners.In-form gallops trainer Lisa Latta has singled out Charms Star as her horse to follow in the New Year.
And Lincoln Farms’ harness trainer Ray Green says you can’t go wrong staying onside with American Dealer.
Latta, who has been notching up the wins with regularity in recent weeks, will start Charms Star next at Hastings on New Year’s Day.
And what makes her such an attractive proposition is she drops back to a maiden race after finishing a solid fifth last time in a strong Eulogy Stakes, a Group III race for fillies at Awapuni.
That was only the three-year-old’s third start - she had few favours on debut then flew home late for second at her next outing.
The Per Incanto filly holds nominations for the Levin Stakes at Trentham on January 16 and New Zealand Oaks on March 20.
Ray Green … “American Dealer never lets us down.”American Dealer has been a real find in the Lincoln Farms’ battalion at Pukekohe, his form line this season an impressive 31214521611 earning him $118,125.
He trounced his rivals last start in the Alabar Classic, mounting a superlative run from the back to win, going away.
“He never lets us down,” says Green. “And he’s racing the same horses again in the Harness Million at Auckland on New Year’s Eve.
“Barring an atrocious draw, he’s a serious chance of beating them again.”
Strangely, the little bloke continues to be shunned by punters. He’s won three of his last four starts paying $5, $3.60 and $3.90.
Lincoln Farms wishes all its followers a happy and safe Christmas and good punting over the holidays.
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Lisa’s comments
Thursday at Otaki
Race 7: Lincoln Falls
4.23pm
“I thought it was a great run at Otaki where he was beaten on the line coming off a one week back-up. He sets up a lot nicer here with 12 days between races. He came through that last run really well and drops down to 53kg. Ace Lawson-Carroll should be able to get into a nice position from the six draw and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him right in the finish again.”
Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Wanganui
Race 2: Lincoln’s Kruz
12.45pm
“ I thought he was very gallant last start finishing fifth on a heavy track, which we know doesn’t suit him. We should be running on a track in the soft range on Saturday which I think will play into his favour. He is going to need a touch of luck from the nine draw, but this is certainly the weakest field he has come up against for some time. Ace Lawson-Carroll will ride claiming 2kg.”