At last, a front row draw for Copy That which gives him a great Swing at the King
By Barry Lichter • 13 July 2021
Trainer Ray Green finally got his wish for a good draw for Copy That when the horse drew the front row in Saturday night’s $A100,000 Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park.
But best of all, the two main rivals for the Lincoln Farms’ star have both drawn badly, Aussie champion King Of Swing in gate 11 on the outside of the second line and Brisbane hero Colt Thirty One inside him in 10.
Copy That has turned in two exceptional runs at the Queensland carnival so far, winning the A$30,000 Wondai’s Mate from an impossible position on the home turn and running a close second in last Saturday night’s A$250,000 Rising Sun after striking early interference from the outside of the second row.
The mobile 1660 metres will suit Copy That, who is a brilliant beginner, and gate five gives him the chance to fulfil Green’s prediction that they “won’t see which way he went if he draws an alley.”
Rising Sun Consolation winner American Dealer, on the other hand, is lumbered with the outside of the front line in the A$30,000 South East Derby, but does not have to lock horns with Krug who is a notable omission after his fourth in the Rising Sun.
And Friday night’s impressive winner Tommy Lincoln is also out of luck drawn three on the second row in the A$30,000 Four-Year-Old Championship.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
