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.
More news in Harness
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Sugar Ray Lincoln and Kevin Kline in fighting form for Friday night at Auckland
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
