Ray: Omaha Lincoln still improving and can feature again in Friday’s Sires’ Stakes heat

Senior Lincoln Farms trainer Ray Green is expecting another top run from Omaha Lincoln in Friday night’s Sires’ Stakes heat at Auckland.

Though drawn awkwardly in seven, Green says the two-year-old has trained on well since his decisive win at the Park last week.

“His draw’s not great but he’s on the improve and he’s slowly but surely developing into what we’re looking for.”

Sent to the front 1100 metres from home last Friday, Omaha Lincoln ($5.50, $1.55) easily held off the challenge of Cyclone Miki by one and a half lengths, clocking 2:46.55 for the 2200 metres, a sedate mile rate of 2:01.8.

“Overall times don’t mean much,” Green said. “He got home in 27.9 and did it easily.”

And as Green points out, Omaha Lincoln showed he could run a lot faster in his previous start, the first Sires’ Stakes’ heat on Sepember 4, when second to Lucky Luka who ran the 1700 metres in a 1:56.5 mile rate.

Omaha Lincoln was also still very green that night, and putting in a few steps, which Green fixed by tightening his hopples.

“Tony Herlihy’s horse Lucky Luka is very good but I’m not afraid of the others. I think Omaha can handle them.”

Omaha Lincoln might have drawn badly in seven but his two main dangers are either side of him with Lucky Luka ($1.85) in eight and Coal Fire ($4.20) in six.

Sammy Lincoln ($3.80, $1.40) didn’t fare so well in the draws either, starting from five in the opener but Green is confident of another good race from the three-year-old.

“Yes, the draw’s a bit tricky but he doesn’t need to lead, he’s just as effective from off the pace.”

Sammy Lincoln demolised his rivals last week, finding unxpected gate speed to lead from the off to beat No More Dreaming in 2:41.9 for the 2200 metres.

On Friday, favouritism goes to southerner Queen Lizzy ($2.45) from gate two, after she clocked the fastest closing sectional last week of 56.3 when third to Fly High and Ride The Waves.

Sugar Ray Lincoln ($18, $3.50) meets a talented line-up in the fourth race but Green says he’s so honest, he’s always a chance of being in the finish.

He tried his heart out again last Friday when fourth to War Party, Lulana and Allamericanplayer but has won only one race in the last 12 months.