Prentice Lands Feature Country Double
19 March, 2018
Harness
Justin Prentice has full confidence that Rocknroll Lincoln can take the next step in his career after the four-year-old posted a fighting win in the Narrogin Cup (2662m) on Saturday.
Rocknroll Lincoln, who led for reinsman Gary Hall Jnr, was under siege at the turn, but underlined his fighting qualities to defeat Our Jimmy Johnstone by a half neck.
Rocknroll Lincoln has made a stylish return from a spell, notching back to back wins after racing competively against the state’s best four-year-olds last year.
The former New Zealand launched a top weekend for Prentice, who landed a feature country double after Courage To Live won Sunday’s Bridgetown Cup (2597m).
Prentice said Rocknroll Lincoln had passed a big test in winning his eighth race from 29 starts and after the confidence builder he was positive about his future.
“I have always liked him from day one, “Prentice told Tabradio’s The Sports Daily.
“It was a good test for him on Saturday night.
“I was worried whether third up he was ready to take on those horses.
“It was a classy race and junior (Hall) drove him perfectly.
“It was a great win and first country cup for me as a trainer.
“He showed he has what it takes to win.
“I thought Jimmy Johnstone had him at the turn, but he dug deep.
“Hopefully he can take the next step again and go into free for all company.”
Prentice said he may have found the key to Courage To Live, who landed back to back wins for the first time in his 21 start career.
The Courage Under Fire gelding, ideally driven by Thomas Buchanan, nailed Rocknroll Beachboy on the line to score a thrilling win.
“It’s taken me a little bit of time to work him out,” Prentice said.
“It’s probably the first time he has backed up and gone well.
“He is eating so much better, before he never used to eat.
“You could hardly work him, but since the break I have changed a few things and he eats everything.
“He can now handle the work a bit better.
“I thought Tommy (Buchanan) drove him perfectly.
“He was pretty disappointing at the end of last season, but he has come back a hell of a lot stronger.”
Julio Santarelli