Copy That checks out fine so it’s all systems go for Queensland on Friday
By Barry Lichter • 8 June 2021
It was with some relief for trainer Ray Green that blood and vet checks today gave Copy That and American Dealer a clean bill of health.
While discovering an issue might have explained why the pair raced flat at the Cambridge Jewels last Sunday, Green was anxious about what that might have meant for the pair’s imminent Australian campaign.
But the all clear means they will join stablemates Tommy Lincoln and Captain Nemo on a flight to Australia on Friday.
“The blood test was fine and they’ve checked out all good,” said Green.
“We’ll just have to put it down to a bad day and move on.”
Copy That, right, checks out who’s next door in the wash bay at Cambridge after his Jewels run.Green can only guess that Copy That might again have been troubled by his feet in the Four-Year-Old Emerald when driver Maurice McKendry reported he didn’t feel right even scoring up behind the mobile gate and showed none of his usual brilliant speed.
“We used to put pads on his feet, which were prone to getting sore, but when the farrier said he should be all right we took them off a month or so ago. I’m pretty sure that’s all that was making him uncomfortable on Sunday.
“I shouldn’t have taken them off but they’re back on now.”
Green said he and the team of four were leaving slightly earlier than anticipated to take advantage of a rare direct flight to Brisbane, meaning the horses wouldn’t be stressed by a 700km truck trip north from Sydney.
Green will be away with the team for about seven weeks, until the end of the winter carnival which climaxes on July 24 with the A$250,000 Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship.
Two weeks earlier Copy That will take up an invitation to contest the inaugural A$250,000 The Rising Sun, where he will meet fellow Kiwi Krug and a host of top Australian three and four-year-olds including Expensive Ego.
American Dealer’s main mission is the A$100,000 Queensland Derby on July 24.
Green will train from the south-east Queensland property of trainer Mark Dux at Woongoolba, 50km south east of Brisbane and 40km north of Surfers Paradise.
“It’s in the cane fields and he has a well appointed property with a 1000 metre track, new barns and plenty of paddocks.”
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Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
