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Bob Best with Double Or Nothing when he was racing from Lincoln Farms’ Pukekohe stable.

So long Louie, we’ll miss you, but we know you’ll do a good job in the States

Double Or Nothing has been sold and will not race at Albion Park on Saturday night.

But the horse could be seen in Queensland for a few more starts with local trainer Alan Grimsey before flying out to the United States in April.

Lincoln Farms’ trainer Al Barnes completed the deal today, one which brings to a close a fairly profitable innings for his owners John and Lynne Street, Rod and Sue Fleming, Neville McAlister and Auckland veteran Bob Best.

A favourite of Best, ‘Louie’ won only three of his 27 races but along with 10 seconds, five thirds and six fourths earned A$49,458 in stakes.

The rangy Sweet Lou gelding, who clocked a mile rate of 1:53.4 for 1660 metres when pipped a neck earlier this month, is expected to do well in the States with his high gate speed and front-running style.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 4: Sammy Lincoln
6.45pm

“He’s always had ability, he’s just needed to be inspired. But he’s starting to get the idea and it’s not a big field this week. He’s getting money every week and is an each-way chance again.”

Race 5: Jessie Lincoln
7.11pm

“She got home better than anything last week and that was her first run for a while so you’d expect she’ll improve on that.”

Race 5: Omaha Lincoln
7.11pm

“He put in a couple of steps last week, reaching for his hopples. But we’ve pulled his gear up a bit tighter and hopefully that will fix that. You could argue he’s the best horse in the race but I wouldn’t say he stands over them as he’s still very green, and has a lot to learn, and that might hold him up a little bit. But he’s certainly a good winning chance.”

Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm

“I thought he went pretty well first-up. He did a lot of work early and should improve with the run.”

Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.37pm

“You can’t condemn her on last week’s run (when she broke) but this is a very strong race.”

Dan Costello Race Photography