Angelic Copy has not raced since beating stablemate Lincoln Linda in March. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.
Cloud over Angelic Copy again - bug threatens to force her out on Friday night at Auckland
By Barry Lichter • 23 April 2025
Blood tests on Thursday will determine whether Angelic Copy starts in Friday night’s second Young Guns heat for fillies at Alexandra Park.
Co-trainer Ray Green was forced to scratch the unbeaten filly from her last scheduled start on April 11 when tests showed she had not fully recovered from a tie-up episode.
And now he and training partner Nathan Delany are faced with the prospect of having to withdraw Angelic Copy again, the filly having been under a cloud with a bug.
“We eliminated the tie-up problem but after she trained below par this week we took a blood and it showed she had a virus. There’s quite a bit of it going around.
“There is some doubt over whether she will start but we’re taking blood tomorrow morning to see how she is.”
From the second row, Angelic Copy ($17, $3.30) will have a tough job on Friday night even if she does make it to the start line.
She has not raced now since winning the first Young Guns heat on March 21 when, in a four-horse field, she beat stablemate Lincoln Linda in a 2:00.4 mile rate for the 1700 metres.
Compare that with the 1:53.9 mile rate that Emma Stewart’s unbeaten filly Ripples ran when winning the Gold Tiara Final (1730m) at Bathurst and the 1:56.6 rate that Purdon Racing’s Alecto clocked when sitting parked in the Leonard Memorial (1980m) and you appreciate the challenge.
Even though Angelic Copy has missed some work, Green is still hoping she will be fit enough to contest the $70,000 Young Guns Delightful Lady Classic on May 2.
Green says Lincoln Linda ($27, $4.50) will need a lot of luck from the outside of the second row to get into the placings.
Intractable in her racing so far, she again raced a bit too fiercely last time, but Green is hoping the likely faster pace on Friday will suit her.
The opposition is also likely to be too strong for Lincoln Farms’ pair Lincoln Lover ($27, $4.20) and Prince Lincoln ($27, $4.20) in the colts’ and geldings’ Young Guns heat.
“If I had to choose between them I’d say Prince Lincoln. He’s training very well and he’d be a chance of getting some of it with luck from his wide gate.
“Lincoln Lover isn’t training as well but he has the inside draw to help him. And he’s a tough little bugger who’s not one to shirk his responsibilities.”
Both horses have been set for the $100,000 Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes on May 2.
Green says he’s not holding his breath with Sugar Ray Lincoln ($91, $8.50) in the $200,000 Woodlands Stud Northern Derby.
“He’s gone some handy races against the very best but he’s not in career best form. I’m just hoping the 2700 metres might suit him better.
“I think he might need a decent break after the derby.”
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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.”
