The winner’s purse for the New Zealand Trotting Cup today is $297,000.
Money pours onto Copy That for the cup - and some early birds are holding juicy tickets
By Barry Lichter • 10 November 2020
Copy That’s odds continue to tumble in the hours leading up to today’s $540,000 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup.
The weight of money on Lincoln Farms’ stable star is such that TAB bookies this morning cut his price to just $2.60.
But there are a number of punters who hold much tastier tickets on Copy That, one of the best someone who put $90 on the horse three months ago at $26.
TAB bookie Matt Peden said early bets were also placed on the horse at odds of $31 and the best price he touched was $41 after he was pulled up when resuming at Auckland on July 1.
In seven starts since Copy That has racked up six wins and a close second during which time his odds have steadily tumbled.
“He’s clearly the best backed horse in the field, over Self Assured, and now accounts for 35% to 40% of the win hold,” Peden said.
So far no one has unloaded huge amounts on Copy That with the biggest bets two of $1000 at $3.80 and numerous $300 bets at the same price.
“The bigger punters haven’t stepped in yet but they will probably get involved later today.”
With turnovers up on last year, Peden is expecting heavy betting on the cup, which starts at 5.34pm.
More news in Harness
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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.”
