Lincoln Hills landed the first win for Vinery freshman All Too Hard when he cruised to a debut victory in New Zealand on Sunday.
The Lisa Latta-trained colt won first time out in the Per Incanto 2YO Maiden (1000m) at Tauherenikau. He tracked stablemate Dreams Of Platinum and then let down without being shown the stick by Jonathan Riddell.
Lincoln Hills (2c All Too Hard – Hickory Hills by More Than Ready) was bred in Australia at Baramul Stud and was a bargain $55,000 buy at the 2016 Magic Millions National Sale. His dam is an unraced half-sister to Gerry Harvey’s Adelaide stakes winner Zauberin (Zabeel).
“I gave him a quiet trial at Foxton a fortnight ago,” Latta said. “I was confident he would run well today and it was good to see him reproduce the ability that he’s shown us at home. Jonathon jumped off and said he felt like a top colt for next season.”
The good-looking chestnut clocked 57.88s for 1000m which was extra-fast on a track downgraded to a Slow 7. He showed plenty of grit and determination and can developed into another black-type galloper for Lincoln Farm Bloodstock owners John and Linda Street.
“He looked a well-balanced, athletic colt at the Gold Coast Sale,” Latta continued. “We will look after him because he’s only going to get better. He will have one more run then go straight to the paddock so we can get him ready for the classics.”
Latta has circled the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11 as D-Day for Lincoln Hills. She trained Platinum Witness to win the classic for Lincoln Farms in 2014.
Lincoln Hills is the first starter for All Too Hard in New Zealand in contrast to the early rush of his first starters in Australia. His Group 3 performed filly Mystic Empire heads a group of 11 first-crop placegetters so far this season and those numbers are better any other freshman in Australia.
All Too Hard has 16 yearlings going under the hammer at the Inglis Easter Sale including Vinery colts from Group 1 mares Sacred Choice (Doncaster Hcp) & Polar Success (Golden Slipper). Home-base also has an All Too Hard filly from Champion NZ 2YO Crossyourheart.
Vinery’s Inglis Easter yearling sale consignment will be available for inspection at Stable 4 as from this Wednesday, March 29.
