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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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
