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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Sammy Lincoln
6.45pm
“He’s always had ability, he’s just needed to be inspired. But he’s starting to get the idea and it’s not a big field this week. He’s getting money every week and is an each-way chance again.”
Race 5: Jessie Lincoln
7.11pm
“She got home better than anything last week and that was her first run for a while so you’d expect she’ll improve on that.”
Race 5: Omaha Lincoln
7.11pm
“He put in a couple of steps last week, reaching for his hopples. But we’ve pulled his gear up a bit tighter and hopefully that will fix that. You could argue he’s the best horse in the race but I wouldn’t say he stands over them as he’s still very green, and has a lot to learn, and that might hold him up a little bit. But he’s certainly a good winning chance.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“I thought he went pretty well first-up. He did a lot of work early and should improve with the run.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.37pm
“You can’t condemn her on last week’s run (when she broke) but this is a very strong race.”
