Tommy Lincoln powers home for a close last-start third behind Manila Playboy and Northview Hustler.
Tommy’s racing super and early fireworks likely at Albion Park on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 3 March 2023
Tommy Lincoln is racing right at the top of his game but his chances at Albion Park on Saturday night will hinge squarely on what happens in the first few hundred metres.
Two weeks ago, as a $51 outsider, Tommy overcame a second row draw to power up the sprint lane for a close third in a sizzling 1:52.59 mile rate for the 1660 metres.
This time he moves up to what appears to be a good front row draw over 2138 metres but, with fast beginner Rock Bottom drawn the pole, trainer Mark Dux says crossing to the front won’t be a given.
“It would be lovely if we could lead out then hand to Turn It Up. If we can get on his back we could run a good second, if not test him.
“But I’m not confident we can cross. Rock Bottom has good gate speed and we’ve had to sit outside him before.”
Dux knows it won’t be easy getting on top of Rock Bottom given he is a stablemate of Turn It Up but says Tommy will get nothing if you try to drag him back and he starts over-racing.
“So we’ll go forward and just play it by ear. He’s racing super so we’ll give him his chance.”
On the other hand, it will be steady-as-she-goes with Captain Nemo earlier in the night when he tackles a strong field in the third race as the lowest equal rated horse.
“This is a tough race for him and he’ll find it hard. I would have kept him for Tuesday instead but those races haven’t been getting off the ground.
“There are a couple in here that ran second and third in the free-for-all last week (Cardlesfromheaven and Star Galleria).”
Captain Nemo’s form has dropped right away in his last three starts but Dux says he’s had “a couple of average trips”.
“I reckon we’ll come out steady on him this week and let him do his own thing. He’s better driven that way.
“I’m happy with his work and, even though it’s a tough field, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran a good race.”
Captain Nemo races at 9.41pm NZ time at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Tommy Lincoln races at 12.45am at Albion Park on Saturday night.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Wednesday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Maree
5.11pm
“She’s finding her feet and was a bit unlucky at Taupo. She put in a few rough ones out of the gate - she was like that early in her prep and could just jump out of it - but she’s generally doing things right now. She trained well on Saturday and, with the right run, could run top three.”
Race 3: The Night Fox
6pm
“He won really well on the second day at Hawera and if he races anything like he’s training he’ll be hard to beat. He ran a 27.3 quarter during the week and I was just sitting on him. I’ll tell Craig to go forward, set an even tempo and cut him loose at the 600. I think he’s our best of the night.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.35pm
“Hopefully he’s improved since Taupo when Fergie drove him a treat in front. I actually think he’s better coming off something’s back but I’ll leave it up to Fergie. He’s up a bit in grade but has the right draw to be in it all the way.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 5: Lincoln Wave
7.32pm
“He had an easy run last week and he can go a lot faster than that. He should be hard to beat. It won’t matter if he doesn’t find the lead from six, he’ll be just as effective coming from off the pace. He’s a pretty classy horse, classier than most of those against him.”
