Blair Orange, not surprisingly, sticks with Copy That over The Big Lebowski in Friday’s Auckland Cup.
One more hit-out for Copy That tomorrow and he’ll be primed for Friday’s Auckland Cup
By Barry Lichter • 22 May 2023
Copy That is in good order for Friday night when he will have only eight rivals in the $180,000 Auckland Cup.
Though Copy That hasn’t raced for three weeks, Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green said he felt right up to the mark when he drove the horse on Saturday.
In company with Simply Sam, the dual New Zealand Trotting Cup winner worked over a steady 2400 metres in 3:12, asked to sprint only over the final 400 in 27.4.
“The track was pretty bad but he felt pretty good and pulled up well,” Green said..
“He’ll go again tomorrow. We’ll work over a mile in 2:10, nothing exciting. He doesn’t need any more.”
Copy That hasn’t raced since finishing runner-up to Self Assured in the Messenger on April 28, timed to run home in 53.7 and 26.8.
Meanwhile, new stablemate The Big Lebowski has been confirmed a cup runner with Tony Herlihy to do the steering.
“There aren’t many big race drivers better than Tony,” Green said.
The Big Lebowski created a huge impression in his first start at Alexandra Park last Friday, skying away to an 11-length win for driver Blair Orange who, not surprisingly, sticks with Copy That.
The all powerful Mark and Nathan Purdon stable will also have two runners with Akuta, scratched last week with a foot abscess, joining Self Assured behind the tapes.
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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.”
