Everyone on tenterhooks over tonight’s crucial barrier draw for Saturday’s Brisbane feature
By Barry Lichter • 5 July 2021
Copy That has bounced out of his spectacular win at Albion Park on Saturday night with Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green confident he’ll strip at peak for his big assignment this weekend.
The final field has been decided for Saturday night’s inaugural A$250,000 The Rising Sun after Kashed Up was today given the final wildcard three-year-old entry.
And Green, like his fellow trainers, will be on tenterhooks until 8.30pm NZ time tonight when the barrier draw will be done live at a special function at Albion Park.
“He’s come out of the race really well, hasn’t missed a beat, and ate all his grub,” Green said.
“He’s just been going through his usual routine in the last couple of days and I’m really happy with him.”
Copy That stunned everyone, driver Anthony Butt included, when he came from the tail of the field on the home turn in the Wondai’s Mate 1660m, virtually turned sideways to find clear air, before sweeping down the outside to record a commanding win.
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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.”
