Racing: Sir Lincoln may take early sit

Sir Lincoln. Photo / Simon Baker

Trainer wants to educate speedy star in final warm-up before Cambridge

Trainer Ray Green believes that could make the Sires' Stakes winner even more potent as his countdown to the Harness Jewels intensifies.

Sir Lincoln takes on older horses from a wide draw in the fourth leg of tonight's Pick6, a race he would win if at his peak.

But Green says punters can expect to see a different side of Sir Lincoln tonight as he uses the race as an important learning experience before his main aim for the remainder of the season, the Jewels at Cambridge on June 5.

"I know usually he goes off the gate and leads but I think this is a great chance to teach him to relax in the field," says Green.

"That is important because heading into races like the Jewels it will give us options."

Just because Sir Lincoln might be asked to learn a new trick tonight doesn't mean he shouldn't start favourite in the 2200m event, where he meets smart, in-form pacers Dash, Dustin Bromac and Perfect Cullen.

"I think he is actually going to be better coming from off the speed," said Green.

"When we have trained him that way at home he has shown us amazing speed and I think he could do that this week.

"I am not saying he will win because this is his first race since the Derby [April 9] and he will be carrying a bit of extra weight.

"But he is a good enough to sit in the field and do something explosive."

Sir Lincoln's chances will be aided by the fact that there are several good stayers in the race who could set up a solid tempo, which could suit perfectly in the small field.

While he will be some punter's Pick6 anchor, even more will be relying on Tintin In America in race seven.

The speedster smashed Flashing Red's national all-comers 2700m mobile record winning a stunning Messenger Pace last Friday, confirming he will be our next superstar pacer.

He faces a 40m handicap over 2700m tonight but it is effectively only a 20m disadvantage with only one rival off the front and the rest off 20m or worse.

In a small field it is hard to see him being any worse than four lengths off the leaders starting the last 600m and from there he should win.

His sit-and-sprint racing style means he is always beatable, but his main dangers - Percy The Punter and Highview Tommy - have either struggled for form lately or not beaten Tintin In America when he is at the top of his game.

Other key Jewels contenders on show tonight include Ima Gold Digger, who also faces a 40m handicap in the main trot. He was brave beating Dr Hook last Friday and with the same lighting quick beginning could win again, especially with Pasi scratched.

SIR SIT-SPRINT
* Trainer Ray Green says Sir Lincoln could have a change of tactics at Alexandra Park tonight.

* The Sires' Stakes winner warms up for the Harness Jewels against older rivals tonight.

* Tintin In America will dominate betting on tonight's Pak N Save Kumeu Stakes.

* Several key Jewels contenders continue their preparations tonight. It is back to school for speed freak 3-year-old Sir Lincoln at Alexandra Park tonight.