Bring on the Rising Sun! Copy That’s startling win eclipses everything for Ray and Merv
By Barry Lichter • 3 July 2021
Both Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green and owner Merv Butterworth declared Copy That’s whirlwind finish in tonight’s Wondai’s Mate feature at Albion Park as the most exciting win of their careers.
And the blistering speed the horse showed to come from near last on the home turn has convinced Green that Copy That will win next week’s marquee event, the A$250,000 The Rising Sun.
“To be honest I didn’t think we had a prayer tonight,” Green said after driver Anthony Butt returned to a hero’s reception.
“And when I saw him buried four deep in the running, I thought we ain’t going to get a run.
“But they went so hard in front most of them were on their knees at the finish and we were in full flight. Halfway up the straight he had them.
“Anthony was amazed at the speed he showed but that’s his forte. It was a stroll in the park for him.
“It was magic stuff and, yes, that would be my most exciting win because I didn’t expect it.”
Copy That sails down the outskirts of the Albion Park track, with driver Anthony Butt sitting still, to win going away from Balraj, Rockin Marty and Spankem.Green said pre-race all he wanted was to see the horse go a good race.
“Everyone was going on and on about his Jewels run and even I started thinking maybe there was something wrong with him but that’s obviously not the case.
“He’ll be too good for them next week, simple as that. We’ve got Krug to deal with of course but he’ll have too much speed for that horse of McCarthy’s.”
Earlier in the night the McCarthy Rock N Roll Heaven four-year-old Expensive Ego made his own mark on the Brisbane carnival when he overcame a horror trip, three wide to the death, before staving off all challengers in a mile rate of 1.52 for the 1660 metres.
Copy That’s mile rate was slightly slower at 1:52.7 but Butt looked to have plenty up his sleeve as he sat quietly on the horse, winning going away, by 1.9 metres over Balraj, Rockin Marty and the leader Spankem, with Colt Thirty One only sixth after sitting in the breeze.
Butterworth said he’d wait until the barrier draw comes out on Monday afternoon before labelling Copy That.
“Next week we’ll be meeting stronger horses but when I spoke to Ray after the race we both agreed that was his best run ever.”
Merv Butterworth with trainer-driver Kerryn Manning after Arden Rooney’s New Zealand Cup win in 2015 - but Copy That’s win tonight was more exciting.Butterworth said he’d never been so excited about winning a race, and the thrill topped even his New Zealand Cup triumph with Arden Rooney, even though tonight’s stake of A$14,805 was a pittance in comparison to the $412,500 Christchurch prize.
“The cup was a thrill because we were among friends and this time Meg and I are isolated at home in Melbourne but that’s still our best win.
“We had the best driver, the best trainer and the best horse, we had everything going for us, and all we needed was a bit of lady luck which we got.
“Ants is the best of the top drivers and when he’s confident, you can’t beat him.”
Butterworth said Copy That never ceased to keep amazing him, tonight’s win his 20th, taking his stake earnings to $482,897.
“He’s galloped at Auckland a couple of times in a race and still won and that was before he even knew what he was doing.”
Green reported Copy That had pulled up well after the race and could only be improved with the run, his first for nearly a month.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
