Talented Frisco Bay trials like he’s ready to make waves at Auckland on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 28 August 2024
Trainer Ray Green is looking forward to seeing Frisco Bay back on the track on Friday night after a strong workout win at Pukekohe.
It’s been three months since the Downbytheseaside three-year-old last raced but, based on his prep run alone, he is sure to have plenty of support in the second race at Alexandra Park.
After leading out then trailing last Thursday, Nathan Delany eased out Frisco Bay 400 metres from home to tackle the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained leader Hezasweetie (Zachary Butcher) and was strong to the post to score a one length win.
The gelding’s closing sectionals of 57.7 and 26.8 showed he had lost none of the speed which saw Green rate him potentially the best of his early season two-year-olds before a breathing issue thwarted his preparation.
When Frisco Bay started making a noise in his races and training runs it was discovered that two flaps were obstructing his airway and they were removed with relatively simple surgery.
It took several runs, however, and a few patient drives when Frisco Bay was allowed to gradually work into his races, before he learned his oxygen debt wouldn’t return.
Frisco Bay clocks a slick 2:40.9 winning at Cambridge in April. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.And last time in, Frisco Bay came into his own, competing in strong fields, running fast times, and bagging his maiden win on the Night Of Champions at Cambridge in April in 2:40.9.
Green, who bought Frisco Bay for just $9000 as a weanling, and now races him with Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street, said the horse’s breathing isn’t an issue any more.
“His form just looks bad because he’d had enough at the end of his last prep, but he’d done a good job.
“Frisky could develop into a really nice horse and he’s only got to replicate his workout run to be a chance. He hasn’t got the race fitness of the others but I’m sure he’ll go a good race.”
Green said he couldn’t fault the recent performances of stablemate Obadiah Dragon, drawn alongside Frisco Bay in five.
“There’s not a lot between them. Whichever one gets the best trip will finish closest.
“He’s another who could develop into quite a nice horse.”
Obadiah Dragon continued his run of powerful finishes last week at Auckland, pipping stablemate Lincoln La Moose for fourth behind Upstage. His closing sectionals of 55.9 and 26.7 were the second fastest in the race.
Lincoln Farms’ third runner for the evening, Leo Lincoln in the fourth race, is also resuming from a spell.
“He had a good break and he looks great,” Green said. “He won’t be driven on any search and destroy mission. Maurice (McKendry) will find a nice spot for him and, based on his work and trial, he’ll go a good race.”
Leo Lincoln finished third of three in his Pukekohe heat last Thursday, matching Better Knuckle Up and Mhai Surfer Girl for speed in the run home.
“There are some good ones in the field who are race fit but he’s hardly ever missed a cheque.”
More news in Harness
OK Sammy, lightning bolts aside, Ray’s relying on you to do things right this time
Lincoln Dealer has the genes but not the barrier draw for Cambridge debut
HRNZ boss Brad Steele resigns after less than two years; chairman praises his work
$101 monster upset! - Lincoln Wave makes the most of lucky break and fills plenty of pockets
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Rivergirl Bella
5.40pm
“She’s going as good as she can. She’s got a bit of speed but isn’t that strong. But she should get a nice trip here and be right in the frame. She’ll win one soon.”
Race 1: Jessie Lincoln
5.40pm
“She’s a big filly who has taken time to mature but she has plenty of ability. She’s a good pacer and I expect her to improve on her resuming run and go well.”
Race 1: Lincoln Dealer
5.40pm
“He’s a bit of a handful, too keen for his own good sometimes, so I’ll be happy to see him just get round and do most things right. He’s no superstar but he’s coming to it slowly but surely. We’re throwing him in the deep end here and he has a terrible draw but we have to start somewhere.”
Race 4: Lincoln Maree
7.04pm
“She’s as tough as old boots and tries like hell and you can’t ask for much more than that. She just lacks a bit of speed but has a good attitude. She usually finds one or two better than her but will make them work for it anyway.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.56pm
“He’ll be improved for the last run, has trialled and is working well, and has a better draw (the ace) this time. You just have to be a bit wary because he’s let us down a couple of times.”
Race 3: Angelic Copy
5.56pm
“She had a tie-up issue but seems much better now. It’s her first run for a while so she’ll definitely need the run. I’m just hoping she gets around all right and pulls up OK.”
Race 3: Colonel Lincoln
5.56pm
“He’s a very capable horse, if injury prone, and he’s been back in work for three or four months. You never say never but, realistically, he’s just starting off so you can’t expect him to be at his peak.”
Race 5: Sammy Lincoln
6.55pm
“I know I said it two starts back but if there’s such a thing as a certainty, he’s it. Even from seven on the gate, everything says he’s the one to beat. If he hadn’t gone a bit goofy up the home straight last time in the Sires’ Stakes Semi at Cambridge, he’d have easily run third. This is a huge drop in class.”
Race 7: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.58pm
“I expect he’ll be a bit sharper this time. He’s looking well and feeling good but I still think another run under his belt will be beneficial for him. He’s not one to leap out of the ground but he is capable of taking the race.”
