Tommy’s chance to show what he’s got against strong opposition at Redcliffe on Saturday
By Barry Lichter • 18 March 2022
Trainer Mark Dux expects Tommy Lincoln to be right in the fight despite tackling a strong line-up at Redcliffe on Saturday night.
Dux takes Lincoln Farms’ tough campaigner back to the tight north-east Brisbane circuit after his sterling first-up fourth last week.
“I was over the moon with his run last week,” Dux said.
“He ran a 27.52 last quarter (second fastest) and was four wide all the way round the bend. That made it very hard for him to run them down.”
This week Tommy moves from the second row to be perfectly slotted at two on the gate for driver Angus Garrard.
“I think he’ll probably lead from there and if he gets it a little bit steady at some stage he’ll be hard to beat.”
Dux says he expects pole runner Ohoka Chopper to hand up, just like he did to hotpot Deus Ex last week.
“He may have to do a bit to hold the lead, he could cop a bit of pressure from Will The Wizard and Ideal World, who both have gate speed, but I don’t think they’ll cross him.
“As long he doesn’t get absolutely smashed in the lead there’s no reason why he can’t win.
“He can handle a bit of pressure but too much and it might leave him vulnerable the last bit.”
With Deus Ex buried on the inside of the second row on Saturday night, L L Cool J also on the second line and Speech Is Silver drawn the outside of the arm, Tommy Lincoln would have his chance to show what he’s got.
“It’s a strong field but he’s up to the task.”
Mark Dux brings back Captain Nemo after his all-the-way win at Redcliffe last Saturday night.Stablemate Captain Nemo (race 2) steps up in grade on the company he beat last week and Dux finds the race quite tricky to read.
“There looks to be a lot of pressure in the race and I’m not sure where he’s going to be. We may well end up having to go back and poke along.
“Pacific Drums can really run the gate and if they light him up it could really be on for the first furlong. The harder they go, the better it will suit us. I hope they go like lunatics.”
Dux says he’s not too worried where Nemo lands - from three he could put himself on the pace so long as it’s not too hectic
“It will all come down to tempo.”
Where Nemo didn’t want to be was back on a slow speed.
“These horses regularly run time for their last sectionals so if you’re back and wide, especially at Redcliffe, you’re no hope.
“It will just come down to luck in the running.
“I’m really happy with both horses - they’ve done well during the week.”
Tommy Lincoln races at 8.40pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Saturday night.
Captain Nemo races at 9.10pm NZ time at Redcliffe on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Sammy Lincoln can make amends on Friday after narrow escape - Spiritual Bliss too
Canny Fergie drive gets Lincoln Lover home at Taupo - and it won’t be his last win
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
6.18pm
“He was checked and locked wheels into the first turn last week and he had a decent puncture wound in his leg from where they ran into him so you certainly couldn’t condemn him for galloping. He’s a really nice horse, who is going to win races quickly. He hasn’t missed any work, and should be right in it.”
Race 3: Lincoln Wave
6.43pm
“He’s drawn wide again (six) but he’s good enough to get the job done. It’s a bit more of a test for him but there are no cup horses in there and he’s a pretty nice horse. We’ve waited for both him and Sammy Lincoln because of their setbacks at two but it’s been worth it.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
7.11pm
“He was very tough in winning after sitting parked last week. He’s awkwardly drawn again but he tries hard and, with a bit of luck and a good trip, he can get some of it.”
Race 6: Tyson
8.08pm
“Completely forget his run last week when he had no luck in the running. He’s a definite chance.”
Race 6: Spiritual Bliss
8.08pm
“She took no harm from the incident last Friday and has trained on well. I think she’ll go well. If you analyse her run, they went down the back in 27.8 and she did well to finish on for fourth after sitting parked.”
