Perfect Stride has felt flat in his work over the last few days.
Perfect Stride not so perfect so he’ll have a week off
By Barry Lichter • 5 February 2019
Lincoln Farms’ assault on the Young Guns heat at Auckland on Friday night is down to four after trainer Ray Green decided today to scratch Perfect Stride.
The younger brother to champion Chicago Bull had drawn gate three and would have started a warm favourite after his dominating win in the last two-year-old feature.
But Green says the colt, raced by leading Australian owner Emilio Rosati, has not been himself in the last few days and he won’t be taking any risks with him.
“Zac (Butcher) said he didn’t show his usual zip in his workout last Saturday and Andre (Poutama) also said he didn’t feel his usual self in his work this morning.
“There’s obviously something not quite right so we’ll get the vet out to see if we can find a problem and he’ll probably have a week off.’’
With Perfect Stride out, the $25,000 race will have only five starters, Lincoln Farms looking a chance to have the first four home with Line Up, Sir Tiger, Double Or Nothing and Copy That.
Butcher, Perfect Stride’s regular driver, will switch to Line Up who has been ultra impressive in his recent workouts at Pukekohe.
The fifth runner, Eagle Watch, is trained by Mike Berger and has been unplaced in his three starts.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Jessie Lincoln
6.39pm
“She was very good first-up - Harry said she was still coming at the line - and I’m sure she’ll go pretty well again. The way she trains over 2400 metres, you’d think the extra 500 metres will help.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.39pm
“I was quite happy with her last run at Cambridge, she’s improved a lot since Auckland. It’s a shame she’s got a bad draw this week but if she can hit the line well again, I’ll be happy.”
Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.34pm
“I think he’ll be a good chance because he continues to train very well. I’ll leave it up to Harry how he drives him this week but you’d think he’d lead again.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Tyson
6.52pm
“He had to do a bit much work last time - from a niggly draw he went round and sat parked. He’s drawn three on Friday, which is perfect, as he can just mooch up there. He keeps going good races in stronger fields and needs two more starts and some more points to qualify for the Golden Gait.”
Race 8: Kevin Kline
9.24pm
“He’s up against the better ones now, like Cold Chisel, but he keeps doing a good job. He’s a tough horse who keeps improving and he’s training really well. I thought he’d be a chance.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“I was pretty pleased with the way she went last time. It was unfortunate she had to cop such a tough trip but she showed she is competitive - not many in the race could have done what she did. Maurice said if he’d pushed her out, she would have finished a bit closer. I can’t fault her. She recovered quickly and looks great. She’s no 100-to-one shot. All she needs is a bit of luck.”
