Copy That downs Bad To The Bone in the Spring Cup at Alexandra Park. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.
Copy That clinical and we’ll see him again at Auckland before he goes south for the cup
By Barry Lichter • 9 October 2021
Copy That’s path to the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup is set after his clincial win in Friday night’s Spring Cup at Alexandra Park.
Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green will keep the horse in the north and tackle the $25,000 Holmes DG (2700m) on October 22, before going south where he will use the $50,000 Kaikoura Cup (2600m) as his final lead-up.
“Taking the horse up to Kaikoura was out of the question before but now that the meeting has been moved to Addington that race becomes a better option than Ashburton,” Green said today.
It also gives Green more chance of being able to accompany Copy That south in the event Covid levels are lowered and he can leave the Auckland boundary.
Green saw enough from Copy That last night to be assured the horse is in good shape for his mission, even though he beat Bad To The Bone by only three-quarters of a length after enjoying the one-one sit.
“He did only what he had to. Maurice (McKendry) was pleased with how much acceleration he showed when he pulled the plugs and dashed to the front.
“Once he got away Maurice said he switched off and he had to start driving him, but he said he did it quite easily.”
Copy That had to run only 2:44.7 for the standing 2200 metre sprint, which was nearly four seconds slower than he paced when pipped in the race last year, the ante upped only to a 56.4 half and 28.2 quarter.
“I think he’s in a good place, where he needs to be,” Green said. “He ate up everything last night but he’s having a lie down in his paddock now, he’s a bit tired.
“He’ll have a little bowl round here at the Pukekohe workouts next Saturday and then run in the Holmes DG.
“Then, if I still can’t travel, I’ll have to post him down to somebody before the Kaikoura Cup.”
The Kaikoura Cup, on November 1, is eight days before the $600,000 Cup, for which Copy That is now a $5 third favourite behind Self Assured ($2.80) and South Coast Arden ($3.20).
Copy That extended his impressive record last night to 22 wins from 42 starts for $622,297 in stakes.
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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.”
