Six-year-old Lincoln River gave further proof that he is on the way up when he outclassed his rivals in the 2130m Nathan, Nat and Shaun For Breakfast Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
His performance in racing without cover early and then in the one-out and one-back position before finishing strongly to get to the front in the final 100m and burst away to win by almost four lengths from My Copy impressed his trainer Jemma Hayman, who said: “He is a horse who has yet to be screwed down --- and we haven’t fully tested him yet.
“I have always thought he is a very nice horse, and he is starting to show that now. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him line up in Free-For-All ranks.”
Abbey Vidovoch, who has driven Lincoln River at his five WA starts for two wins, one second and two fourths, said that she had planned to win the start on Friday night and then set the pace.
Lincoln River, a $3 chance from barrier three, was beaten for early speed by Northview Dance ($11) from the No. 5 barrier, and he raced without cover until the $1.90 favourite Hugotastic dashed forward from last to move alongside the pacemaker with 1050m to travel.
“When Hugotastic came, it all worked out perfectly for Lincoln River,” said Vidovich. “We lost a bit of ground on the (home) corner, but once he straightened, he found another gear. I didn’t think he would kick away like he did, considering the work he did early.”
Lincoln River now has earned $132,625 from nine wins and 18 placings from 73 starts. He is by Bettors Delight and is out the American Ideal mare Ideal Belle, who was retired after seven wins, 13 placings and stakes of $204,316, with the highlight of her career being her victory in the group 1 New Zealand Oaks at Addington in May 2014.
Hayman completed a double 30 minutes after Lincoln River’s win when the heavily-supported $1.40 favourite Petes Honour, driven by Chris Voak, beat Lou Lamour ($10) and Heez Good As Gold ($13) in the 2130m Fred Kersley OAM Pace.
Petes Honour began from barrier six and was beaten out by the No. 4 horse Lou Lamour, who sped over the lead time in 35.5sec. before relinquishing the front to Petes Honour after 400m.
Petes Honour was having his second start after a six-week absence, a forced break while he recovered from a hoof bruise.
The Sweet Lou five-year-old has earned $120,022 from eleven wins and ten placings from 52 starts and he looks set for further successes.
Lincoln River and Petes Honour gave Hayman her third Gloucester Park double, following the wins of Gypsy Dragon and Duty Bound on March 23, 2023, and the wins of Taking The Miki and Run For Mercy on April 14, 2023.
