Ants: Copy That has class written all over him - they’ll know he’s there next week
By Barry Lichter • 26 June 2021
Ace driver Anthony Butt was particularly pleased with Copy That’s manners when he cruised round Albion Park last night to win his trial as he liked.
Lincoln Farms’ Brisbane carnival flag bearer was never troubled to win the 1660 metre heat by two metres in a mile rate of 1:53.2, albeit pitted against inferior opposition.
“It was a nice run for him and he rolled home a good half,” said Butt who travelled from Victoria for the test drive and to handle Krug at Redcliffe tonight.
After starting solo on the second line, Butt didn’t move from the rear until 800 metres out, cruising round his rivals to be third down the back straight, and powering home to record sectionals of 55.7 and 27.8.
“I was pleased with his manners, he was nice and relaxed and casual and went about it like he’d been there all his life.
Anthony Butt … “When I asked him to go he put them away in a couple of strides.”“When I asked him to go he put them away in a couple of strides. He’s got class written all over him.
“It won’t be easy against all the big boys next week but they’ll know he’s there.”
Trainer Ray Green has earmarked next Saturday’s A$25,660 Wondai’s Mate (1660m) as Copy That’s pipe opener for the carnival when he will meet local big guns Colt Thirty One, Spankem and Turn It Up.
“Everything’s going to plan,” said Green. “It’s good that Anthony got to have a drive on him and he did it well and pulled up well.
“He’s been training well since he got here. You’re limited to how fast you can go on this track but he doesn’t need much anyway.”
Copy That recorded sectionals of 28.2, 29.3, 27.9 and 27.8 in his trial, downing Chantal Turpin’s 12-race winner Will The Wizard and tiring leader First String, an 11-race winner with Belinda McCarthy.
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Sugar Ray Lincoln and Kevin Kline in fighting form for Friday night at Auckland
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
5.33pm
“He hasn’t raced for more than four months but he’s trotting well in training and has had a couple of workouts. He steps well so if Fergie can keep him away from the others, and he slides on from the 20 metre mark, he could even lead, and that would make him the one to beat. It doesn’t take much for him to lose concentration though.”
Race 4: Lincoln La Moose
6.23pm
“He hasn’t raced for a while but should go well. He finished off his workout really well on a 26.9 quarter for a close fourth behind some good ones (Greased Lightnin, Beetastic and Diamonds Are Forever). He beat himself in his last few runs by racing too keenly but he’s capable enough.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.30pm
“She went to the line under a hold last week. She’s right up there with the best of them but you’re no chance when you get back like that. She hasn’t got a good draw again but it’s a small field and hopefully they won’t walk and only sprint home. Joyride looks the one to beat.”
Race 3: Tyson
6.23pm
“He was definitely beaten by the draw last week. He never got the chance to get out. From five this time he won’t get jammed up and can go forward and put himself in the race.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.52pm
“Sugar Ray has a tad more speed than Kevin, but he had to sit parked for the last 1200 metres last week. You’d think he’ll get a good trip this time from the inside draw.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.52pm
“Kevin is as honest as they come. He’s a bit more genuine than Sugar Ray. He closed fast from the back last Friday and is better suited over 2200 metres this week.”
