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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Smart workout shows Prince Lincoln’s ready to test the Blue Army at Auckland on Friday
On paper, Akuta looks home but Kevin Kline’s such a warrior he could get some of it
Improving Johnny Lincoln prevails in thrilling finish and takes aim at Sires’ Stakes
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.06pm
“He hung badly all the way last time without a boring pole but that will be back on this week. And we’ve taken off his overcheck. He seemed to resent that. I trained him yesterday and he went really well. I expect him to go a lot better.”
Race 1: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.06pm
“Fergie had to do an adjustment on the cart last week and the horse got fractious and just kicked out. I think he would have gone well but their policy is to scratch them if there’s any sign of blood. He’s certainly hard work but he trained well this week - he didn’t put a foot wrong and paced well.”
Race 2: The Rascal
5.46pm
“He still struggles on the corners going full out. He’s OK when they’re tootling along but when they sprint, he finds it difficult. The drivers just have to nurse him and, driven like that, he should be hard to beat.”
Race 4: Kevin Kline
6.58pm
“He never had a chance to get any money last time, when caught four back on the pegs - it was just one of those races. But he hit the line well and I’m pretty sure he’ll go well again. Mantra Blue is a good mare but she only fell in last time and she could be vulnerable from the 30 metre handicap.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
6.58pm
“He steps well and Fergie showed last time he really knows how to drive him. If he’s on the fence he doesn’t put a foot wrong, it’s only when he gets out wide that he can mix it up.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
8.46pm
“He’s as honest as they come but he’ll need a run or two to tighten him up. He hasn’t raced for a while and he’s a little fat guy.”
Race 7: Prince Lincoln
8.46pm
“He’s a lovely horse who been training really well and he won his recent workout in good time. He has a bit more lick than our other runner Lincoln Lover and he should go well this time in.”
