Merv Butterworth looking over his top colt Copy That before the Northern Derby at Alexandra Park.
Merv reaches for favourite driver Blair Orange for Copy That’s New Zealand Derby campaign
By Barry Lichter • 13 March 2020
Copy That will have a new driver for his upcoming New Zealand Derby campaign with the country’s leading reinsman Blair Orange engaged to replace David Butcher.
Melbourne owner Merv Butterworth, who is a big fan of Orange’s, opted for the change after Copy That was beaten in last week’s $200,000 Northern Derby at Alexandra Park.
Copy That looked unlucky to finish only second after first being the victim of a Natalie Rasmussen push-out 1250 metres from home then being held up behind his tiring stablemate Tommy Lincoln, a drive which was questioned by the stewards.
Trainer Ray Green said Butterworth actually requested Orange team with Copy That four months ago before the $156,000 Sires’ Stakes Final at Addington “but I talked him out of it.”
Copy That ended up being beaten half a head in that race after putting in several rough steps in the running, Butcher doing well to keep him on an even keel.
Green drove Copy That himself in work this morning and reported the colt was keen to get back into it after enjoying three days off after the Northern Derby.
Copy That is due to fly south on Sunday morning for a two-race campaign, the $50,000 Vero Flying Stakes (mobile 1980m) at Addington on Friday week followed by the $200,000 New Zealand Derby (mobile 2600m) on April 3.
Maurice McKendry was impressed by Platinum Stride’s third in the Young Guns Final.He will be joined on the trip by Platinum Stride, who ran a fine third for Maurice McKendry in the $100,000 Young Guns Final last week behind Krug and It’s All About Faith.
He will run in a $22,000 Sires’ Stakes heat on March 20 and the $50,000 Welcome Stakes on derby night.
“Maurice really liked him and I think he’ll do well down there.”
More news in Harness
Fine Cambridge double but Ray’s packing Lincoln Cove off to Matamata for scintigraphy
34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
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.”
