Patient owners hoping high-priced Colonel can salute at Cambridge on Thursday night

Lincoln Farms and its partners in Colonel Lincoln have had to be patient but the former sale-topper is at last ready to show his ability.

All eyes will be on the four-year-old when he tackles the sixth event at Cambridge on Thursday night, his first race for nearly 21 months.

And despite the long break, and all that has happened to the big horse, trainer Ray Green is expecting a bold showing.

Since Lincoln Farms’ owner John Street paid $200,000 for the Bettor’s Delight - Jessies Cullen colt in February 2021, he’s spent more time in the wars than actually racing.

Despite having his early racing hampered by claustrophobia, Colonel Lincoln won his fifth start, at Cambridge, looping the field like a horse who would go on with the job.

Colonel Lincoln … two tendon scares since he last raced.But he showed signs of a bowed tendon in April, 2023 and had six months off, during which time he was gelded and spent time on the water treadmill at Margaret Park in Matangi.

“He’d been back in work for only three weeks when he tried to bow the other leg,” Green said. “Luckily, we caught it in time before it got serious.

“This time since he’s been back it’s been good, and there has been no sign of a problem.”

Colonel Lincoln has had two workouts in preparation for his resumption, the lastest at Pukekohe on December 5 when he trailed third before improving to lead and holding second place well behind Matai Phil.

“His training has been good since and he should go well first-up.

“He’s a beautiful, big horse who probably lacks a yard of speed to be a real super horse but he’s got everything else. I expect him to go well against this lot.”

That prediction will be welcomed by Lynne and John Street, and the other partners who stayed in the horse after his injuries, John’s sister Bev Glass, brother Kevin and wife Glenis.

Lincoln La Moose, won “like a monster” on debut at Cambridge. PHOTO: Ange Bridson/Race Images.Drawn to trail

Another useful pacer resuming for Lincoln Farms on Thursday night is Art Major three-year-old Lincoln La Moose, who has drawn to trail in the seventh race.

“He hasn’t raced for more than three months but he’s training well and has surprised us before, like when he won his first start at Cambridge like a monster after breaking on the first turn.”

Lincoln La Moose “went through a bad patch” in his last prep, according to Green, pacing roughly and placing in just two of eight starts.

“It’s always the way when they win their first start - it makes things hard for them after that - but he’s travelling well now and is capable of being in it.”

Green is expecting an improved effort in the fourth race from Onyx Shard who needed her first-up run, when sixth at Auckland.

“She’s a nice filly who is training really well and it wouldn’t surprise me to see her in the money in spite of the outside draw.

“She’d be one of the best in that field and is definitely an each-way chance.”

Green is also hoping to get a cheque with Commander Lincoln, who opens in the second race.

“Back to Cambridge and the easier amateur ranks he can get some of it. He’s an honest little horse who pays his way.”