Copy That draws perfectly for Tuesday’s Cup - with main rivals stranded on the second row
By Barry Lichter • 2 November 2022
Copy That has tightened in to a $3.60 clear favourite after drawing perfectly in eight for his defence of Tuesday’s $600,000 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington.
But the news isn’t so good for two of his main rivals, second favourite Australian Rock N Roll Doo on the second row in 13 and third fancy, the accomplished front-runner B D Joe in 15.
Of the next main fancies Akuta drew three, Old Town Road nine and 2020 cup winner Self Assured one.
Krug, the last horse to make the 15-horse cut, will start from four.
Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green was delighted with the eight draw, the same slot he started from in last year’s cup.
“That’s a very good draw and should affirm his favouritism. I just didn’t want to draw the second line because he’s such a good stepper. From eight he can get past the ones who don’t get out so well.”
Green reported Copy That had settled in beautifully at Ken Barron’s Toliman Lodge after his flight south from Auckand on Tuesday.
“He had a jog this morning, is bouncy and happy, and is now enjoying a nice, big paddock in the sun.”
The big drifter in the market is B D Joe who has slumped from a $6 second favourite to the sixth line on $12 after drawing the second row, along with his stablemate Alta Wiseguy who has eased from $21 to $31.
Rock N Roll Doo’s second row draw also saw him let out to $6.
* Rock N Roll Doo, Krug and Old Town Road are the only three starters in the traditional cup trial today at 5.35pm.
* Self Assured has been treated for a blood disorder since he finished seventh in the Ashburton Flying Stakes, driver Mark Purdon reporting he felt lethargic.
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Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
6.18pm
“He was checked and locked wheels into the first turn last week and he had a decent puncture wound in his leg from where they ran into him so you certainly couldn’t condemn him for galloping. He’s a really nice horse, who is going to win races quickly. He hasn’t missed any work, and should be right in it.”
Race 3: Lincoln Wave
6.43pm
“He’s drawn wide again (six) but he’s good enough to get the job done. It’s a bit more of a test for him but there are no cup horses in there and he’s a pretty nice horse. We’ve waited for both him and Sammy Lincoln because of their setbacks at two but it’s been worth it.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
7.11pm
“He was very tough in winning after sitting parked last week. He’s awkwardly drawn again but he tries hard and, with a bit of luck and a good trip, he can get some of it.”
Race 6: Tyson
8.08pm
“Completely forget his run last week when he had no luck in the running. He’s a definite chance.”
Race 6: Spiritual Bliss
8.08pm
“She took no harm from the incident last Friday and has trained on well. I think she’ll go well. If you analyse her run, they went down the back in 27.8 and she did well to finish on for fourth after sitting parked.”
