The Big Lebowski’s a big dude all right and he’ll be a good replacement for sold pair
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.
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.”
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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Les Harding
Monday at Globe Derby
Race 7: Beaudiene Rocknroll
7.29pm NZ time
He’s been working well and has taken benefit from his first-up run, when he was attacked mercilessly in front. Scratchings bring him in to three on the gate from where he can hopefully lead or, at worst, trail if Celestical Zodiac adopts his usual pattern and stays in front. Boss Major is the biggest danger.
Mark Dux’s comments
Thursday at Albion Park
Race 8: Captain Nemo
5.43pm NZ time
“He felt like the old Nemo when he worked today. He dashed up nicely, and wanted to do it, and that’s when you know he’s feeling all right. But we won’t be out there to make something happen from the second row. We’ll drive him cold and, if we have some luck, great. It’s not a super hard field, and I could see him finishing really strongly.”
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
6.04pm
“He’s honest enough and you have to consider him an each-way chance given the sort of horses he’s racing against.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Obadiah Dragon
5.32pm
“He’s drawn awkwardly in a capacity field so he’ll need a lot of luck. But, as long as he doesn’t have to do too much work, he’ll get home well. He’s a nicer horse than people think.”
Race 1: Frisco Bay
5.32pm
“I thought he went really well last time but I can’t label him from four on the second row in a nice field. He’ll need to fluke a really good trip to threaten.”
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.30pm
“It’s a handy bunch of horses so you could say I’m hopeful rather than confident. He’s drawn one a few times and hasn’t shown a lot of gate speed but he should get out well enough to land a handy trip. I’m hoping he can run in the first three or four.”
Race 3: My Copy
6.30pm
“He’s in career best form but will need a perfect trip. He needs to stay handy without spending too much petrol. He follows speed well but we’ll be relying on luck.”