Few tracks turn as much as Redcliffe raceway, near Moreton Bay in Queensland.
Tricky Redcliffe triangle may not be enough to stop Lincoln’s Girl and Vasari on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 6 June 2019
In-form pacers Lincoln’s Girl and Vasari tackle the tricky Redcliffe circuit on Friday night, with trainer Al Barnes reasonably confident both will handle it well.
The track, 30 minutes from downtown Brisbane, is an unusual 833 metre triangle, with a short 170 metre home straight, a turning setup which doesn’t suit some horses.
But if history is anything to go by Lincoln’s Girl, drawn the pole, should be right in the hunt, while Vasari, drawn the outside of the second line, will have to work overtime to win.
In the last 12 months 19% of races have been won by the pole runner, while only 11% have scored from wide on the second line.
Inside barrier draws have a big advantage at Redcliffe.Lincoln’s Girl, impressive winner of her last two starts over 1660 metres at Albion Park, steps up to the longer trip of 2040 metres as Barnes tests her ability to run the upcoming Oaks distances.
“She’ll get 2000 metres round there no trouble, it’s more a question of how she handles the track. She’s not a bad pacer so I don’t expect too much of a problem.
“But from the 2040 metre start it’s only 50 metres to the first turn and that can be hairy at pace.
“She’s not brilliant out of the arm - you’ve got to keep her balanced - so I would rather have drawn the middle from where she could balance up and go forward at her leisure. From one you’ve got to hold them out.
“The two horse, Weasel, gets out OK so it could be a little tricky.’’
Barnes is delighted with the way Lincoln’s Girl has come through her last two wins which she has cut out in excellent mile rates of 1:54.2 and 1:53.3.
Vasari has been going even faster, clocking a sensational all-the-way 1:52 and a smidgeon over 1:51.5 when second last time.
“I wasn’t disappointed at all in his last start. He just couldn’t muster fast enough from one out of the gate and had to work very hard to get round to the lead.
“He doesn’t possess brilliant gate speed and that will cost him races.
“But it’s a bit of a drop in grade at Redcliffe and he’s the best horse in the race. He’ll be competitive and should run top three.’’
Barnes is confident Vasari will pace around Redcliffe with no dramas.
“The four horse, Sache Girl, gets out OK and Hayden might be able to follow her out.
“He’s got respect now and if he comes charging they’ll let him go. He’s a big, free-running horse who’s happiest when let slide.’’
Vasari races at 6.50pm NZ time on Friday.
Lincoln’s Girl races at 9.50pm NZ time on Friday.
More news in Harness
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Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Shunt and tangled tail hamper our Johnny - why he can win Friday’s Lincoln Farms Pace
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
