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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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
