Tommy Lincoln is an outsider for the Interdominion series but will get his chance in the opening heat. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Tommy Lincoln draws perfectly for first round of Inters at Albion Park on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 28 November 2023
Lincoln Farms’ Tommy Lincoln will get his chance in the opening heat of the Interdominion Pacing Championship in Brisbane on Friday night after drawing perfectly in two.
Trainer Mark Dux had been hoping for a good front row draw in the opening round over 1660 metres, believing it is his best chance to score good points on the Albion Park track which favours on-pace runners.
He will meet series third favourite Rock N Roll Doo, who fared badly on the outside of the gate and former Kiwi Spirit Of St Louis who will also need luck from the inside of the second row.
Local champion and Grand Final favourite Leap To Fame drew four in the third pacer’s heat and, while New Zealand Trotting Cup winner Swayzee will leave from two in the fourth heat, he won’t be able to match the early speed of gate flyer Turn It Up in five.
The three favourites in the trotting series all look set to score good points with Ollivici drawn three in the opening heat, New Zealand-owned Queen Elida four in the second heat and Just Believe the pole in the third heat.
Pacing heats
Trotting heats
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Jessie Lincoln
6.39pm
“She was very good first-up - Harry said she was still coming at the line - and I’m sure she’ll go pretty well again. The way she trains over 2400 metres, you’d think the extra 500 metres will help.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.39pm
“I was quite happy with her last run at Cambridge, she’s improved a lot since Auckland. It’s a shame she’s got a bad draw this week but if she can hit the line well again, I’ll be happy.”
Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.34pm
“I think he’ll be a good chance because he continues to train very well. I’ll leave it up to Harry how he drives him this week but you’d think he’d lead again.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Tyson
6.52pm
“He had to do a bit much work last time - from a niggly draw he went round and sat parked. He’s drawn three on Friday, which is perfect, as he can just mooch up there. He keeps going good races in stronger fields and needs two more starts and some more points to qualify for the Golden Gait.”
Race 8: Kevin Kline
9.24pm
“He’s up against the better ones now, like Cold Chisel, but he keeps doing a good job. He’s a tough horse who keeps improving and he’s training really well. I thought he’d be a chance.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“I was pretty pleased with the way she went last time. It was unfortunate she had to cop such a tough trip but she showed she is competitive - not many in the race could have done what she did. Maurice said if he’d pushed her out, she would have finished a bit closer. I can’t fault her. She recovered quickly and looks great. She’s no 100-to-one shot. All she needs is a bit of luck.”
