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
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
$101 winner Lincoln Wave has improved and is worth following in Friday’s derby lead-up
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Sharpe Stride, Marylynes Boy, Omaha Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Colonel Lincoln, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Prince Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
