Smart trial shows why Ray’s surprised by The Big Lebowski’s big odds for Tuesday
By Barry Lichter • 12 November 2024
He might not have the respect of the TAB bookies but The Big Lebowski can outrun his $18 odds in Tuesday’s $40,000 Junior Free-for-all at Addington, says trainer Ray Green.
The Big Lebowski rounded off his preparation for cup day with a strong trial on Wednesday, when he was nosed out late by visiting Victorian Hes From Heaven, the winner of eight of his 16 starts who is here for the $500,000 Velocity slot race on Show day.
The giant pacer trailed Hes From Heaven in the 1980 metre heat, the pair closing in 55.5 and going across the line locked together, with topliners Princess Meritaten and Duchess Megxit next home.
“The big fellow rounded up Hes From Heaven in a few steps and switched off a bit,” Green said.
“I don’t think Blair (Orange) pushed him out and he’s keen to drive him on Tuesday. That run has set him up nicely and I’m sure he’ll go well.”
While The Big Lebowski (R75) ranks only in the middle of the rating 63 to 116 event, which features top Australian Catch A Wave, Green rates him a solid each-way chance.
“He’s got the draw (four) and the driver and he’s in a good place at the moment. He should be right in the fray.”
The Big Lebowski with trainer Ray Green and Nathan Delany after his decisive win at Addington. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.While The Big Lebowski lost his chance in the Ashburton Flying Stakes by galloping 1300 metres out, Green says his previous win at Addington, over the mobile 2600 metres of the Junior Free-for-all, is a better guide.
“He’s got a lot of ability and you can’t count him out.”
Bookies offering $4.40 for a place on the horse had obviously forgotten The Big Lebowski’s massive performances in Auckland before his injury in 2023.
Debuting in the north at Alexandra Park he bolted in by 11 lengths before finishing only three and a half lengths behind Akuta in the Auckland Cup (3200m), hard on their backs with nowhere to go.
Green said in the week since he returned from Christchurch, the stable’s Nathan Delany had done a great job with the horse.
“Nathan is doing a sterling job with him, he’s turned out to be very diligent. If I’d known what he’d be like I probably wouldn’t have gone down in the first place.”
Green’s return to Pukekohe was prompted by the below par performances of Sugar Ray Lincoln and Frisco Bay at Ashburton, both returning ordinary scopes, found to have a virus, and sent home.
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday at Addington
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
4.03pm
“She’s drawn out but I think she’s got the gate speed to be put into the race. You’ve got to be handy to beat the good ones and we don’t want to be stuck behind some of the others. The one drawn two inside us, Arafura, looks the one to beat but Debbie is as good as anything in the race in my opinion. It’s not going to be easy but I’m hopeful. She’s done well down here and is in good shape.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 5: Im Not The Maid
6.17pm
“The draw helps and while she’s very honest she still needs to improve. Gary Hall said she was a bit stop-start last time but he cut corners and wasn’t too far away at the finish. He reckoned his toe rope broke at the top of the straight.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
7.49pm
“She showed no speed when resuming and it’s hard to see her playing a part in this.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
7.49pm
“She went the best of them last time, was hampered turning or home, and could improve.”
Race 8: Jessie Lincoln
7.49pm
“She’s a big filly but so far, so good. There are a few negatives, like the second row draw and it being her first time under lights, but I think she could go quite well. It’s not a wonderful lot against her and she’s training well.”
Race 8: Lincoln’s Spice
7.49pm
“She over-raced early first-up and burned herself out. She’s a delicate little thing but we’ll put some plugs in her this week. Last time in I thought she could be the best of them. Whether the others have caught her up or she’s gone backwards I don’t know.”
