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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Spirit Of God
5.48pm
“She’s got a bit of lick but I’ll leave it up to the driver (Matthew White) to decide whether to leave the gate. Barry Purdon’s horse Dino looks the one to beat.”
Race 5: Lincoln Maree
7.12pm
“Her race last time was a non-event, the silliest race I’ve seen for a long time, with a middle half in 66.6. It shouldn’t be legal. In the US they’d fine you for going that slow. She tries hard but looks up against it here.”
Race 5: Angelic Copy
7.12pm
“She was out for a long time but has had three runs back now and should be close to being ready to rock. The wide draw makes it tough in a big field.”
Race 7: Prince Lincoln
8.20pm
“It’s always difficult for any horse off a draw like this, let alone one like him, as we know he doesn’t race as well from off the pace. We just have to hope his big demolition job woke him up a lot. His form eclipses anything else in the race but whether or not he’ll bring his best is anyone’s guess.”
