Ray reaches for spreaders to help The Rascal and Sugar Ray at Auckland on Friday night

Co-trainer Ray Green has made significant gear changes with three of his charges for Auckland on Friday night with The Rascal likely to benefit the most.

The Rascal faces hot favourite Captain Moonlight ($1.70) in the seventh race but was quickly backed in from $6 to $3.60 when bookies opened their fixed odds today.

That suggests plenty of confidence in Green’s move to fit spreaders to the Sweet Lou three-year-old after his rocky early action cost him dearly last week.

The Rascal was doing just enough to hold an early attack from Bettor Be A Legend when he started pacing roughly into the first bend and driver Peter Ferguson was forced to concede the lead.

And when the favourite Tytate assumed control soon afterwards, he was left three deep on the pegs, from where he became only a place chance, doing his best work late for second.

“I thought he was pretty good despite not handling the corners,” Green said. “I’ve put spreaders on him this time, and he’s trained well in them, so it should give him every opportunity. I’d rate him a winning chance.”

Standing in his way, however, is Captain Moonlight who was backed off the map fresh-up but, after making a mid-race move to park, was surprisingly all done turning for home.

Trainer Steve Telfer has since taken the Always B Miki colt back to the trials where he made stylish late ground from the rear for second to the well regarded Woodlands Stud filly Our Harmony.

Green is hoping spreaders also help the enigmatic Sugar Ray Lincoln ($16, $3.40) whose recent form is well down on his best, despite looking good in training.

Copy That’s little brother didn’t beat one home behind Hawkeye Pierce last week but went better than that suggests, Green said.

“Drawn the outside of the second line he was never going to be in the hunt but Maurice said he paced much better than the time before.

“From one on the second row he should get a better trip, but it all depends on which one turns up. We know he’s capable of winning if he comes with his A game.”

Leo Lincoln … honest pacer who is spoiling his chances by pulling too hard. PHOTO: Ange Bridson/Race Images.New bit

Green has changed the bit on Leo Lincoln ($17, $3.70) in the fifth race in an attempt “to slow him down.”

The four-year-old again travelled far too keenly last week, pulling hard when trapped three deep on the pegs, and beat only Beta Prepare home, 4.3 lengths from Mantra Blue.

With a new bit to give driver Peter Ferguson more control, Green expects another honest effort from the horse. But he favours stablemate Kevin Kline ($8.50, $2.40) more, even from wider out on the gate.

“I’m always pleased with Kevin - he never runs a bad race. He gave the favourite (Mantra Blue) a bit of a fright last week and in another 20 metres I think he would have got her.

“It’s only 1700 metres this time and he looks a good chance. The five draw shouldn’t bother him as he can do a bit of work.”

Green says he’s not holding his breath over remaining runner Tyson ($8, $2.05) who goes from gate six in the opener.

Tyson finished seventh, six lengths behind Hawkeye Pierce last week, but cost himself by hanging in during the run home when driver Zac Butcher tried to shift wider on the track. While this resulted in Tyson being held up for clear racing room, Green is not convinced he could have done much better.

“He’s not the best steering horse in the world. He’ll win races but he’s a funny horse and you can never be sure which Tyson will turn up.”

At his previous start Tyson finished a fine third behind Turn O The Tide and Captain’s Secret after enjoying a perfect trail. From gate six on Friday he won’t get another run like that.