Arden’s Horizon just needs an easier trip to be a major threat at Auckland on Friday night. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Ray’s tactic for Auckland on Friday night - No early burn this time on Arden’s Horizon
By Barry Lichter • 28 October 2021
Don’t expect Arden’s Horizon to burn for the lead at Auckland on Friday night, a key change of tactics which trainer Ray Green hopes will see the horse in the money.
Arden’s Horizon lines up in the third race and, while he is only a two-year-old racing older horses, the race is pretty much devoid of form and his is better than it looks on paper.
Last week, Arden’s Horizon used up a lot of petrol to hold the lead, then was attacked by Governor’s Bay, leaving him running on empty early in the home straight.
And while he was gobbled up 150 metres from home he still fought bravely, finishing only 2.6 lengths from the winner Rocknroll Rouelette, who came with a big late run.
That’s what Green wants to see from his Bettor’s Delight colt this week.
“I pick we’ll be going back this week from gate six and save him for the finish, rather than the other way round. He had a harder trip than I would have liked last time and ended up being target practice for the others.
“What he’s crying out for is a more economical trip. He doesn’t need to burn to the lead or sit parked. He’s better to sit back and be presented late.
“He’s honest and they’re not the best lot that he meets.”
Zac Butcher, pictured driving Pasquale, takes the reins on Friday night. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.The form of Lincoln Farms’ pair Pasquale and Louie LeBeau might not look the best in the second race but it’s a big drop in class for them after racing in last week’s Sires’ Stakes heat.
“There’s not between them ability-wise but Louie LeBeau is a bit more tractible,” says Green.
“Pasquale is a real rubber necker, he’s difficult to steer, wandering here and there.”
The two-year-old wasn’t helped last week when his overcheck was dislodged 1300 metres from home, causing him to lay in and hit several pegs on the home bend.
“He had a long overcheck, that’s why it came off, and he probably needs two poles.”
In finishing seventh behind Major Perry, Montana DJ, Mr Ibiza and Pauly D, Pasquale still managed to run his last mile in 1:57.
“Zac (Butcher) is driving him this week and he comes in to three so hopefully he can get a nice run.”
Louie LeBeau finished a length in front of Pasquale last week after being pushed four then five wide on the home bend when making his run.
Green worries Louie won’t get the best trip again from six on Friday.
“It’s an awkward draw. He’s never actually had a decent trip. Once he gets a draw and a trip he’ll be in the money. He’s a nice horse, not the strongest yet but he tries hard.”
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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
