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
By Barry Lichter • 28 February 2020
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.
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Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 6: Beaudiene Rocknroll
6.34pm NZ time
This race will tell us how he measures up against the local horses. We decided to go for this lower graded race, despite having lower prize money, instead of going to the trials one more time. He won the second of two trials on April 21, beating race rival Hezrockinroyalty by four metres. Run over 2230 metres he clocked 57.7 for his last half and 1:59.7 for his last mile. From the pole he’ll start short and be hard to beat.
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 7: Lincoln Lou
8.25pm
“He’s a beautiful little horse who doesn’t do anything wrong. He got held up at a crucial time last week and got home well (for sixth). He gets out pretty well so should get a good trip from two. He’ll go his usual honest race. He’s improving all the time, he’s a gutsy little guy, but whether he can measure up to the favourites remains to be seen.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.25pm
“He’s a work in progress and we’re still dabbling with his gear. He’s actually a naturally good-gaited horse, like all the American Ideals, but he’s going through a stage of not really knowing why he’s out there. You just don’t know when he’ll click but three is an ideal draw for him and he should be handy if he does things right.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
9.20pm
“He’s an under-rated horse, as good as those others who are higher rated. He’s proving to be a tidy horse and, while he’s not viewed as a serious player by some, I think he is. He was closing off really well last week behind Hugotastic.”
