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 Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
