Change of scene for Tommy Lincoln

By Adam Hamilton 

Former classy Kiwi pacer Tommy Lincoln starts the next chapter of his career when he tackles a strong race at Albion Park on Saturday night.

After winning three of his four Queensland runs for Kiwi trainer Ray Green, connections decided to leave the four-year-old with Green’s host, Mark Dux, to continue his career in Brisbane.

But Tommy Lincoln will have to overcome a wide draw (gate six) against some quality opposition like Mach Da Vinci (one) and Crunch Time (eight) over 2138m.

The overflow of the hugely successful Queensland Constellations Carnival also extends to Albion Park’s free-for-all on Saturday night.

Team McCarthy’s Alta Orlando has gate six, stablemate Bright Energy is in gate eight, while other class runners include Blacksadance (six) and Our Uncle Sam (three).

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Premier driver Kate Gath has opted to stick with star trotter McLovin in his unique brotherly clash with exciting stablemate Havehorsewilltravel in the Group 3 John Slack Trotters’ Cup (2200m) at Ballarat tomorrow (Friday) night.

The eight-year-old McLovin, a winner of 28 races and over $430,000, will clash with his five-year-old half-brother and stablemate, Havehorsewilltravel, for the first time.

McLovin is by Monarchy and Havehorsewilltravel, who has won 10 of 25 starts and $104,508, is by Angus Hall.

Both are first-up after breaks for trainer Andy Gath.

McLovin, one of Australia’s best trotters at his top, hasn’t started since finishing third at Melton on March 20.

Havehorsewilltravel had even longer out, being sent to the paddock after suffering his first defeat in seven Aussie runs for Gath when second in the Ararat Trotters’ Cup on February 12.

But this is no easy assignment for Gath pair with some serious rivals in an unexpectedly strong race.

Proven Group 1-winning mare Red Hot Tooth resumes, as do Yabby Dams’ exciting pair, Always Ready and Im Ready Jet.

With star mare Dance Craze retired to the breeding barn, Always Ready and Im Ready Jet are fighting it out for Yabby Dams’ stable star tag.

“At this stage I’d lean slightly to Always Ready because he’s so versatile and the complete package,” Yabby Dams’ head trainer Anton Golino said. “But the mare is a year younger and, on sheer talent, she’s as good if not better. She’s just as tractable, but I’m sure it will come in time.”

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Expectant fans will have to win a little longer to see exciting WA pacer Minstrel in the big league.

Trainers Greg and Skye Bond have opted to keep the outstanding four-year-old to restricted class at Gloucester Park tomorrow (Friday) night, where he will have to overcome a daunting 40m backmark over 2503m to remain unbeaten in four runs this campaign.

Team Bond already has a strong hand in the free-for-all with Vampiro in gate four and Patronus Star in barrier seven.

The feature of the night is the Group 3 4&5YO Classic where Gary Hall Sr’s emerging Alta Blues is a clear favourite despite the back row (gate 11).