A powerful looking Copy That runs a bold second at today’s Pukekohe workouts.
Copy That puts on a show for Merv and Meg at Pukekohe and his recovery thrills Ray
By Barry Lichter • 5 August 2022
New Zealand Cup hero Copy That turned on an encouraging display at today’s Pukekohe workouts in front of Melbourne owners Merv and Meg Butterworth, visiting New Zealand for the first time in more than two years.
In his first serious hitout since fracturing a splint bone in Victoria seven and a half months ago, Copy That did everything Lincoln Farms trainer Ray Green could have wished for, beginning fast for driver Maurice McKendry, trailing the pacemaking Alta Wiseguy throughout, and closing to a length at the line.
Merv and Meg Butterworth listen to Maurice McKendry’s report.While rapt with the rapid closing sectionals of 55.2 and 25.8 in the 2500 metre heat, Green was even more heartened by the way the horse recovered afterwards.
“I thought it was a really good run but more pleasing than anything was the way he pulled up,” Green said. “You’d think he’d come back in from a quiet jog. He wasn’t blowing at all in the wash bay. That’s why he’s so good.”
Merv Butterworth said he was impressed by what he saw. “The run obviously didn’t do him any harm,” said Butterworth pleased with how the horse had developed physically.
Green pointed out how much thicker through the neck and shoulder Copy That was and how much taller he’d grown. “He’s come up in the wither - that’s the first decent break he’s had - and I pick I might have to let his hopples out.
“You always worry when they have their first run back but that was encouraging. We’re on target.”
Maurice McKendry reads out Copy That’s sectionals to trainer Ray Green after the heat.McKendry said while Copy That was a little fresh, which was only to be expected in his first fast run for so long, he felt really good in the running.
“He didn’t have much left at the finish but he was still right there and he’ll improve a lot with the run.”
Green said Copy That would trial again but he was hoping to find a race for him in the next few weeks.
“Auckland is trying to get the Spring Cup off the ground but those two of Steve Telfer’s that he raced against today - Alta Wiseguy and B D Joe - are apparently on the next float south.”
Geen said all going to plan Copy That would then fly to Victoria a couple of weeks before the first of two lead-up races before the A$300,000 Victoria Cup on October 8.
“One is worth A$100,000 and the other $A50,000 so if we could get one of those it would pay the expenses.
“He missed out on a lot of money through his injury but hopefully we’re back on track. And he’ll have plenty of time after the Victoria Cup to come home and prepare for the New Zealand Cup.”
Alta Wiseguy clocked 3:15.2 for today’s 2500 metres, a mile rate of 2:05.6. Up-and-comer Old Town Road finished third, three-quarters of a length behind Copy That, with B D Joe fourth and last after bungling the standing start.
Copy That strides out during the running.Five heats later, Copy That’s half brother My Copy, showed he had come back well from a break when he downed a seven-horse maiden field over 2050 metres, home in 57.2 and 27.6.
The Highview Tommy three-year-old has raced only twice for a fourth and a narrow second.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
