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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Pole goes on The Night Fox - now he just needs a little luck from a niggly draw on Friday night
$10,000 weanling Johnny Lincoln surprises again with fifth win over white hot blue blood
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
