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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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.”
