That’s how you like to see them win - Platinum Dubai takes trial under a hold

Mark down Platinum Dubai as one to be on at Awapuni on Saturday week.

The two-year-old Pride Of Dubai filly could not have been more impressive in winning her trial at Foxton today, one of three winners Robbie Hannam rode on the day for Lincoln Farms.

Trainer Lisa Latta took Platinum Dubai to the trials to give her some education with blinkers on and she took to them like a duck to water.

“The plan was to ride her in behind,” said Hannam. “But she jumped out first so I pulled her back into the trail. She took a couple of strides then she settled beautifully.

Platinum Dubai beats the riderless Piaggio, inner, on debut in September. PHOTO: Peter Rubery.“I waited until well into the straight then came between two horses and she won very well. She was very impressive.”

Platinum Dubai downed Vespa’s Diva a neck in the six-horse heat, clocking 51.84 for the 850 metres on dead 4 footing.

Latta was delighted the blinkers made such a big difference, allowing the filly to settle, and liked the good hold Hannam had on her at the line.

“If she comes through the run well she will start at Awapuni on Saturday week in a two-year-old 1100 metres.”

Platinum Dubai was a smart debut winner at Otaki in September for John and Lynne Street and Neville McAlister but gave in quickly in heavy 11 footing at Trentham in the Listed Wellesely Stakes.

Authentic Charm … has been very slow maturing.Authentic Charm showed she could be ready to put some form on the board when she won her 1000 metre heat in 59.19.

The 12-start maiden jumped well for Hannam who landed a beautiful trail.

“I peeled off turning for home and she stepped too well for the others. It was a really nice run.”

Authentic Charm scored by half a head over a Shamexpress colt with Janelle Millar.

A Per Incanto half sister to the now retired old marvel Authentic Paddy (11 wins, $780,000), Authentic Charm has been very slow maturing but as a five-year-old should now be strong enough to build on her sole placing.

Latta has a race marked out for her at Tauherenikau on January 2, a meeting at which she was expected to score last year but ran only fifth.

Platinum Touch was Hannam’s third winner for Lincoln Farms in the final heat, a maiden run over 1600 metres.

She beat only two unraced maidens, winning by a long neck in 1:46.97, but looked like a three-year-old crying out for ground.

Hannam, sitting outside the leader, reported the filly was off the bit the whole way.

“At the half mile I gave her a couple with the stick and she showed a little bit more keenness. I came to the middle of the track turning for home and she battled on well.

“She probably wants ground, like 2000 metres.”

Latta says the filly, who placed on debut but has disappointed in three runs since, deserves her chance after today’s win and she will look for a middle distance race over the New Year period.

“We will give her a couple of opportunities before making a decision on her future.”

Lincoln Farms had two runners in the open 1200 metre heat, won convincingly by good handicapper Jacksstar, Lincoln Melody running fourth and Master Lincoln sixth.

Lincoln Melody … upsets first-up last prep at Otaki. PHOTO: Peter Rubery.Lincoln Melody jumped well for Charlotte O’Beirne and sat outside the leader before hitting the line well.

“She had a very good blow after the trial and will head to the Levin jumpouts next week so she is ready to race over the Christmas-New Year,” Latta said.

The Savabeel five-year-old scored first-up last campaign.

Jacksstar clocked 1:12.91 to beat Beautiful Man by half a length with Whoztheboss a further one and a half lengths away third, just shading Lincoln Melody.

Master Lincoln was last away for Hannam and settled third last in the eight horse field but came up the inside in the stretch.

“He peaked on his run a little bit and had a very good blow afterwards,” said Hannam.

“But wait until he gets blinkers on, then he’ll show a bit more.”

Latta will give Master Lincoln a jumpout at Levin next week to fit him for Christmas racing.