Obadiah Dragon powers home to catch Ideal Delight and J T Boe. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.
Ray: Obadiah Dragon just the honest pony to make someone in Australia very happy
By Barry Lichter • 10 August 2024
Obadiah Dragon’s win at Auckland on Friday night came as no surprise to Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green.
What does surprise him is the fact the three-year-old is still here and not racing in Australia “where he would make someone very happy.
“I can’t believe nobody wants to buy him - he’s a perfect horse for Aussie. He’s not a topliner but he’s a good, honest, tradesman-like horse who has plenty more wins left in him.
“He’s been closing in on a win for a while and getting a slot closer in the running this time made all the difference.”
Perfectly handled by stable driver Andre Poutama, Obadiah Dragon sat three back in the running line until unleashed turning for home, and maintained his run right to the line to score by half a neck.
“As long as you don’t burn him too early, he doesn’t go a bad race,” said Green of the gelding who clocked a sweet mile rate of 1:56 for the 1700 metres.
The win was his third and first at northern headquarters, taking his season record to two wins and five thirds, delivering on the promise Green made to his owners, Lincoln Farms’ business manager Ian Middleton and his mates Paul Humphries and Ian Harris.
“Ray kept on saying to me ‘don’t give up on him yet’,” Middleton said. “He’s definitely got stronger and he’ll win his share, it’s just a question of whether that share is big enough for us.
“We’ll either sell him to Australia or take him ourselves but if we get our price, he’s gone.”
Obadiah Dragon will now be hit with an eight point rating penalty and Green said it would soon become impossible to find suitable races for him in New Zealand.
“You can’t place them here any more but he’d have any number of options in Australia.”
Obadiah Dragon, who now has a bankroll of $38,723, was the first Down Under winner for Macca Lodge’s Ohio-based stallion Fear The Dragon when he scored by 15 lengths at Manawatu last November.
From very limited opportunities, the 2017 North American Cup winner now claims five individual winners here, including recent Addington two-year-old winner Aretha, along with another 19 in Australia.
Out of Tuapeka Lodge’s most successful family, tracing back to Sakuntala, Obadiah Dragon cost $27,000 as a yearling and was chosen by Green’s wife Debbie.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
