Riddell can turn around Lincoln King’s Shocking luck at Rotorua on Friday

Even before they jump at Rotorua on Friday Lincoln King has had more luck than in his last disastrous race.

Drawn three in the maiden highweight, instead of the 13 alley which sabotaged his previous run at Te Aroha, the Shocking four-year-old looks a solid winning chance stepping up to the middle distance he needs.

It was almost as if the gods were smiling on trainer Stephen Marsh when, after protracted attempts to find a suitable jockey failed, and it looked like he might not run, the club split the highweight into two races and he ended up with the best rider in Jonathan Riddell.

It made up for Lincoln King’s last race which Marsh described as “a disaster from barrier rise.”

After jumping too well for his own good, Lincoln King was posted very wide and rider Troy Harris spent half the race pulling him back trying to find cover.

Turning for home at Te Aroha and Lincoln King is six wide.Never closer than three wide, he was pushed six wide turning for home before being skittled in a melee 200 metres from home.

Marsh has not gone back on his prediction at that time that Lincoln King can win his first attempt over ground.

He saw enough in the horse’s debut fifth over 1600 metres at Pukekohe when he jumped, settled in behind the speed, and challenged halfway down the straight, looking like he might even run into the placings at the 200m.

“There’s not a lot of depth in this field - a normal maiden would have been much harder - and from three he should jump and put himself in the race.

“He’s gone ahead since Te Aroha, his work has been good, and this race over 1950 metres looks like a nice easy step-up for him.

“He’s a good winning chance.’’

Lincoln King might have taken time to learn his trade but he’s bred to stay. His dam Shi Kin Fly showed staying talent, winning seven wins and $174,000. Shi Kin Fly won the Summer Cup (2400m) at Trentham and ran second in the St Leger (2500m).