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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No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
