Zac: Manners far from Ideal yet but this colt can run. Copy That.

“He’s certainly got it and once he puts it all together we’ll be laughing.’’

Zachary Butcher’s report to trainer Ray Green again underlined the talent of two-year-old Copy That who won his second trial in five days at Pukekohe today - albeit in no copybook fashion.

The American Ideal colt was far from flawless, again showing his dislike of the far bend, our video showing him all but galloping first time round when parked, then losing stride when leading in the same place 350 metres from home.

Copy That is galloping turning for home at Pukekohe today.Despite that Copy That recovered well, finding a good kick in the run home to win, beating Robert Dunn’s Sweet Lou colt Mighty Looee by a neck.

There was a further length to Jeremy Wells, finding his best form for Jack Harrington since coming north, and a slender nostril to fellow Seven Sharp namesake Hilary Barry, with early leader Beaudiene Blinkz next.

Copy That, who clocked 2:03.6 for the mile, showed Butcher rare zip over this last 400 metres in 28.9.

“Once we straightened up and he got pacing again we went bang and he won easily.’’

Butcher says he was half expecting Copy That to muck up the first bend where he has misbehaved before.

“I was sitting on the horse waiting for him to get into his rhythm but he’s still thinking about things.

“I’ve tried holding on to him round that bend and I’ve tried chasing him but it doesn’t seem to make any difference.’’

Green: “He paces perfectly until he gets to that corner - he’s galloped there before and they remember. He won’t do it on any other corner, just that one.’’

Butcher is adamant Copy That “will get there” but Green hopes it doesn’t take too long.

“Some of them just take a bit of time,’’ says Green. “And you can’t rush them - you have to wait for them to do the right thing.

“But he has enormous ability and when he does things right he’ll be in with the A team.’’

Hilary Barry’s effort for fourth augured well for the future too, as she came from three back on the markers with a powerful finish to all but reel in Jeremy Wells.

But it was Jack Harrington’s Jeremy Wells who took the decision in the first clash of the TV namesakes with a much improved showing after popping out to sit parked for the last 800 metres.

The improving Tommy Lincoln (Andrew Drake) trails eventual winner Royal Troon.Rapt with Tommy Lincoln and Line Up

In an earlier learners’ heat, there was nothing between Lincoln Farms’ two-year-olds Tommy Lincoln and Line Up at the finish of 2050 metres, but at the line they both had to bow to Royal Troon, a three-year-old Sir Lincoln gelding trained and driven by Maurice McKendry.

Having only his second workout and first since April, Royal Troon wrested the lead from Tommy Lincoln on the first bend and at the line held a half length margin, home in 59.7 and 27.8 to record a mile rate of 2:09.9.

Runner-up Tommy Lincoln, the tallest of Lincoln Farms’ babies, paced an improved race, driver Andrew Sharpe saying he was learning with every outing.

Line Up, Partyon’s full brother, delighted Butcher with his effort.

“He paced beautifully, he’s just green. But he feels like a horse who will spark up when he wants to. I was rapt with his run today.’’

Hampton Banner trailed the five horse field all the way and, while home in 29, was tired at the finish, reported driver Andre Poutama.

All-the-way winner Phil Bromac in full flight for Zachary Butcher.Phil Bromac obliging and fast

Phil Bromac was in a much more obliging mood today, leading all the way for Butcher in his 2050 metre qualifier, clocking a much faster 2:38.9, a mile rate of 2:04.7.

At the line he had three and a half lengths to spare over the non competing trotter Belles Son, with Torea Lane third.

“He paced much better today,’’ said Green. “He’s getting better with every run and has a bit of speed.’’

Phil Bromac’s time was nearly seven seconds faster than he clocked last Tuesday when winning a two-horse workout.