Simply Sam is the class horse of the field at Shepparton, says trainer Ray Green.
Unlucky Sam simply should be too classy at Shepparton on Friday night, wide draw and all
By Barry Lichter • 14 September 2022
Simply Sam had a virtual no-race at Ballarat last week but Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green is expecting him to win at Shepparton on Friday night.
Not even the extreme outside draw dents Green’s confidence for the 1690 metre sprint.
“The draw’s no worry as he always gets back. And it’s only a small field.
“He’s the class horse of the field - there won’t be anything like him in there.”
The race, for rating 65 to 79 horses, has drawn a moderate line-up and Green doesn’t believe the short trip will disadvantage Simply Sam either.
“He’s got a lot of speed and he should win. He’ll be a bit tighter, though he was in good shape going into last week’s race.”
Simply Sam never had a chance to show his wares in the Holloway Classic, snookered four deep, in a race still subject to an investigation by Victorian stewards.
Even though the winner Captain Ravishing scorched over his last 800 metres in an unheard of 52.8 and 400 in 25.1, the overall time for the 2200 metres was only a 1:59.2 mile rate after an early dawdle.
“It wasn’t much of a race for us at all,” Green said.
Best of Simply Sam’s rivals on Friday looks to be the sole second row runner, Queensland visitor Dangerzone, winner of seven of his 17 starts but only seventh in the Queensland Derby.
The others claim only country wins in their form lines:
* Former Kiwi High Flying Harry has won only two of his eight starts in Australia, both at Shepparton.
* Harness MIllions winner Aladdin has two Charlton wins to his credit and one at Mildura.
* Villacci has raced 26 times since his last win at Bendigo a year ago and
* Ozzie Joy’s form has been at Cobram, Mildura and Swan Hill.
Shepparton is a 1000 metre left-handed track, with a 200 metre home straight.
Simply Sam races at 11.29pm NZ time at Shepparton on Friday night.
More news in Harness
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A picture of Bliss but poor Harry’s arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets
Ultra-consistent Kevin Kline sold to the United States: Why Ray’s sorry to lose him
Nate having a last spin round on his wee mate Eric - and he’s in with a very good chance
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 4: Spiritual Bliss
6.25pm
“She won well on the first day but pulled very hard - Harry said his arms were that tired afterwards he couldn’t have lifted a 1kg dumb bell. She’s meeting a few nice ones here, up in grade, but she’s drawn better so you can’t count her out. She tries hard and really digs in.”
Race 7: Lincoln Downs
7.50pm
“She did everything right on Tuesday but she blew heavily afterwards and I think the heat got to her. She’s a place chance if she recovers OK.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She was jumping shadows on Tuesday and moves to the last race this time but she’s not the most genuine so I’m not holding my breath.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Lincoln Lover
6.28pm
“He hasn’t raced for three months but trialled really well. I pick he’s going to win one pretty quickly and, given he’s been running against the best two-year-olds in his previous preps, it should really be on Friday night. This lot of maidens aren’t in the same class and he’s as honest as they come, a tough little trier.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s really up against it from the outside of the second line, with all the favourites drawn well. She has to be the unluckest animal on the planet. With her, what can go wrong will. Even at the best of times you need a reasonable draw to figure but drawn in the bondocks here she’ll need incredible luck.”
Race 8: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.09pm
“He had a short break while some vet work was done but is in good trim. Yes, there are a few in here that are vastly higher rated but his formline says it all - it’s not often he doesn’t get a cheque.”
Race 8: Tyson
9.09pm
“He was a bit unlucky last week that he didn’t get to them a bit sooner otherwise I think he would have won. Maurice said he thought they’d come back to him more, going 2:39 speed, but his closing sectionals were easily the best in the race.”
Race 10: Prince Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s grown into a beautiful horse, a quality looking colt, and who knows what he could be. He’ll obviously improve with the run but I still expect him to run well from his good draw. He trialled very well behind a good one.”
Race 10: Johnny Lincoln
10.09pm
“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly in seven, which gives Prince Lincoln the edge, but he too was making good ground in the workout.”
