Trainer Ray Green is looking for the real Copy That to stand up at Ballarat on Sunday.
Copy That in perfect health and will have a surprise outing at Ballarat on Sunday
By Barry Lichter • 21 December 2021
Copy That will make a surprise appearance in the A$24,000 Sokyola Sprint (1710m) at Ballarat on Sunday after passing every vet check this week with flying colours.
Trainer Ray Green had the horse exhaustively tested after he weakened out to run a distant last in his campaign opener at Cranbourne last Saturday night.
“His blood is perfect, he scoped perfectly, I had his heart looked at and it’s perfect. Everything is perfect.
“He’s eating well and looks super, so why not race him instead of going round at the trials for no money? That’s what we’re here for.
“While you like to find a reason for a bad performance, the reason was he had such an awful trip.”
Caught five wide early then four wide and three wide round the first turn, Copy That made an aborted attack for the lead before briefly landing the one-one then sprinting round to sit parked for the rest of the 2555 metre cup.
Green confirmed Chris Svanosio would retain the drive on Copy That and this time he will have carte blanche to do what he likes.
“We shouldn’t have insisted he drive the horse aggressively at Cranbourne.
“I should have said ‘do your own thing’ which is what I normally do - let the drivers be drivers.
“Chris knows the other drivers and horses so there’s no point in me getting in my two pennies worth.”
Green says the timing of the Ballarat race is perfect for Copy That, giving him two weeks until his next target, the A$70,000 Bendigo Cup on January 8.
“He’ll draw the outside but that’s good as it means he’ll probably have to go back.
“They’re not expecting a stellar bunch so with his speed he should be able to get over the top of them.”
Green says the 1710 metre trip wouldn’t overly tax Copy That and should have him primed for his next start.
“But I really just want to see him go round properly and not stop like he did last time.”
The fields for Ballarat are expected to be posted tomorrow.
More news in Harness
Worse draw puts unlucky Tyson in better spot to win at Auckland on Friday night
Debbie Lincoln’s home stretch burst pointer of things to come; but her draw rankles on Friday
Streets’ donation raises $100,000 for charity and Timmy could be a supermarket special
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.”
