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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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
