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.”
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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.”
