Copy That has Check In well covered at the finish at Alexandra Park tonight. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.
Copy That comes through toughest test with flying colours - but Merv’s staying grounded
By Barry Lichter • 20 August 2020
Melbourne owner Merv Butterworth got it almost straight from the horse’s mouth after Copy That scored another decisive win at Alexandra Park tonight.
Butterworth, who races the exciting pacer with his wife Meg, spoke to driver Maurice McKendry moments after he brought the horse back to scale.
And McKendry quickly explained why, though decisive, the win didn’t appear anywhere near as brilliant as his previous success when he almost broke the New Zealand record for 1700 metres.
“Maurice said he had to face a strong head wind three times and also that the track was off.
“I thought it was his toughest test to date and he came through it well,” Butterworth said.
Trainer Ray Green also assured Butterworth that it wasn’t fair to expect the four-year-old to score scintillating wins every start considering he was now being trained as a 3200 metre horse.
Merv Butterworth checks out Copy That on a previous visit to Auckland.But Butterworth says it’s way too soon to be getting too excited about November’s New Zealand Cup.
And while Copy That appeared to have the measure of his northern rivals, there was still the daunting ask of coming up against the All Stars’ best horse Self Assured plus whatever else the South Island could throw up.
Copy That, who began smartly from his 10 metre handicap, trailed third for the first round before McKendry moved out at the bell to breeze to prevent being buried.
With Check In running along at a relentless clip, Copy That closed within two lengths before the turn and gained the measure of his rival 100 metres from home.
At the line he had a length to spare, with the 2200 metre trip run in 2:42.4, with closing sectionals of 57.4 and 29.4.
Veteran Star Galleria got the photo finish for third, a nose in front of Mach Shard.
Second favourite Belle Of Montana was never a factor after galloping away and finished 45 lengths from the winner in seventh place.
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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.”
