The Big Lebowski’s a big dude all right and he’ll be a good replacement for sold pair
By Barry Lichter • 15 May 2023
Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green has said goodbye to two of his team and welcomed an interesting newcomer from the south.
Neptune and Next To Me, who flew to Australia yesterday, have been sold and will do their future racing in New South Wales, while The Big Lebowski will make his northern debut on Friday night at Alexandra Park.
The latest pacer to be sent north to Green by owners Merv and Meg Butterworth, The Big Lebowski has won his last two starts at Wyndham and Invercargill.
With a form line this prep of 4434211 for trainer Robin Swain, the Mach Three six-year-old looks to be just coming to it, says Green.
“He looks like a useful horse. He fronted up to some pretty good horses at the weekend and was right there with them.”
In a 2500 metre stand heat at Friday’s Pukekohe workouts, The Big Lebowski finished only a nose and three-quarters of a length behind Kango and Old Town Road, kicking on strongly to finish ahead of Chimichurri, with closing sectionals of 57.1 and 27.8.
A rating 66 horse, he will give Lincoln Farms a strong two-pronged attack in an intermediate field on Friday, along with Simply Sam.
Neptune downs Lincoln River at Auckland. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.Green is predicting good futures in Australia for both Neptune and Next To Me.
Three-year-old Neptune, the winner of two of his 15 starts, and $31,638, last scored at Auckland last December, beating stablemate Lincoln River.
“He’s always had a bit of speed and his manners are good. He still hasn’t quite matured but he should go well in Australia.
“He’ll fit in well over there. It will be far easier to place him. You win a couple of races here and straight away you run into far better performed horses.”
Monika Ranger brings Next To Me back to scale at Cambridge. PHOTO: Chanelle Lawson.Next To Me’s big asset will be his early speed and toughness.
“He’s an honest little fellow. You can put him in the race, which is a good asset to have in Australia, and he’s fairly tough, he can make his own luck.”
The four-year-old Bettor’s Delight - Splendid Deal gelding won only one of his 16 starts, not living up to the ability of his brother Maxim, who banked $510,151.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Rivergirl Bella
4.52pm
“She did a good job last week at Auckland. Throwing her in the deep end seems to have toughened her up a bit. She’s getting stronger all the time. This is a big drop in class and she’s a chance from a better gate (three).”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.20pm
“If the real Prince turned up he’d absolutely be hard to beat. If he leads, as he should do from two, he’s a different horse.”
Race 3: Major Copy
5.54pm
“Maurice just nursed him around on debut. He was stepping over tyre marks on the track so he didn’t want to launch him into the open too soon. We’ll put a shadow roll on him this time to stop that and I can see him going a lot better from the inside draw.”
Race 3: Jessie Lincoln
5.54pm
“I’m not saying she can’t win but it will be hard for Fergie to find a good trip from the draw. She’ll need a lot of luck but she can be right in it if things go her way as she’s training well.”
Race 5: Lincoln Dealer
6.49pm
“He’s been a slow developing horse and you can’t drive him pretty, he won’t let you, as he’s a bit of a hot head. Maurice will launch him and see where he ends up.”
Race 5: Spirit Of God
6.49pm
“She got tired late last time and started hanging a bit (hitting a marker) but I thought she went OK. She did a bit early (from a wide draw) and was still there at the finish so she’s going to win a race. You never know with second line draws but it’s usually a decent impairment.”
Race 7: Lincoln Maree
7.40pm
“She never runs a bad race. She has a big motor for a little filly and should be right in the fray.”
Race 7: Angelic Copy
7.40pm
“Maurice said she foundered a bit when they took off, and got three or four lengths behind, but she didn’t lose any more ground after that and held her place. So the run wasn’t as bad as it looked and she’ll be improved.”
Race 8: Lincoln Wave
8.14pm
“It was a non-event last time (from a stand) and he’s a good horse who will be vying for the lead from five and deserves to be favourite.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
8.14pm
“Peter (Ferguson) said he didn’t feel as sharp last week as in the past so I’ve given him a little freshen-up with a light week and he should go better.”
