Simply Sam has been scratched from Friday night after an abscess burst out of his heel yesterday.
Simply Sam in the wars again so the baton passes to Nirvana Franco on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 9 December 2021
Lincoln Farms’ assault at Auckland on Friday has been blunted by another injury to promising pacer Simply Sam.
Trainer Ray Green had expected Simply Sam to win the ninth race but when he brought him in from the paddock yesterday afternoon one leg had blown up and he was quite lame.
At first Green suspected it must have been a result of the injury he received when he fibrillated at Auckland at his last start, paced roughly and jumped on an ankle.
“He got a cut which we’d been treating - the pastern blew up and we didn’t want it to become infected.
“But when we got the vet today we found an abscess had blown out of his heel. It’s not a disaster and he’ll be all right.
“That might explain his gait issues in the last few weeks. It could have been brewing for a month.
“But he should be even better once this has resolved.”
Nirvana Franco … looks Lincoln Farms’ best chance on Friday night.The baton on Friday will now pass to Nirvana Franco in the third race.
The improving filly had no chance when a first-up ninth after getting back to last from an inside second row draw.
And while she made up useful ground in the run home, driver Maurice McKendry reported she was sucking wind from behind, a not uncommon complaint with mares.
Green has had her stitched up since and driver Zachary Butcher gave her a good tune-up at the Pukekohe workouts last Saturday, keeping her mind on the job in front and right to the line when half a length second to American Legacy.
“She’s starting to wake up and moving to the front row this time is our best chance in the race.”
Honest stablemate Major Grace should also get her chance from two.
“Andrew (Drake) gave her a beaut trip last time but she probably wasn’t quite race fit and is still on the improve.
“She’s very honest and doesn’t do anything wrong but just lacks a yard of speed.”
Louie The Punter should get every show from two in the opening race but will be all out beating the progressive Old Town Road, winner of two of his three starts, the latest in a sub 2:40 time.
“He should still go well, especially if he can lob to the front over 1700 metres,” says Green.
Louie The Punter started out with a big handicap last start from six on the gate from where he ended up at the rear.
Driver Maurice McKendry started his run three wide from the 600 and the three-year-old kept coming, running the fastest last 800 in the race in 56.4 to finish fourth.
Bet On The Tiger … gelded. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.Bet On The Tiger will be having his first race for seven weeks in the ninth race and his first since being gelded.
“Apparently the Betting Lines perform better if gelded and while he was never a nasty colt his American owners wanted him gelded.
“He’s put on a lot of weight so I’d say he’s going to need a race or two.”
Bet On The Tiger finished three lengths third behind Abhishek and Simply Sam at the workouts last Saturday.
More news in Harness
No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
Rampaging La Moose growing on Ray and right-handed shouldn’t be a worry
Grins night joy: Frisco Bay clears maidens in style and Ray’s hoping he’ll now go on with it
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
