Copy That’s record over 2200 metres is exceptional.
Punters climb into Copy That who looks to have everything going for him on Friday night
By Barry Lichter • 23 March 2023
Everything points to Copy That winning Friday night’s City Of Auckland Free-For-All at Alexandra Park.
As soon as punters saw Copy That had drawn two for the 2200 metre feature they attacked his opening price of $2.70, and trainer Ray Green reckons he’s a good bet even at his current quote of $1.90 given he should shoot straight to the lead.
“If history is anything to go by it would be a risk betting against him,” Green said.
“He’s very rarely been beaten when he’s led. And in small fields like this generally you don’t get too much mid-race pressure because everybody is reasonably handy. They don’t rush up and stick it to you.”
Green points out too that the main protagonists in the Free-for-all are being aimed at next month’s $1 million slot race at Cambridge so in a $45,000 lead-up, nothing is going to gut themselves attacking Copy That.
“I can see it being a glorified trial and if Copy That leads, which he should do, I don’t think there’s anything there that can beat him.
“I thought his was the run of the race last time,” Green said of Copy That’s fresh-up third in the Founders Cup when he ripped home from the back, pacing his last half in 54.5 and quarter, three wide, in 27.5.
“There wasn’t another horse in the race that could have done that and he’s fitter this time. He hasn’t drawn so well for a long time and it all looks good for him.
“I’m sure he’ll go a big race, very rarely is he out of first or second.”
Impressive reading
Copy That’s stats for 2200 metres make impressive reading.
Ignoring his first five starts when he was still galloping and learning what to do, in 23 starts over the sprint trip, he has racked up 15 wins, five seconds, two thirds and a fourth.
Drill down even further, and eliminate the standing start races, and you’ll discover from 15 starts he boasts 11 wins, two seconds, one in the Rising Sun in Queensland, one third and a fourth, in the Victoria Cup.
All that said, Green acknowledges it would be folly to dismiss his rivals completely.
“These are the best horses around, there are none better, and you don’t just slay them.”
But with main rival Old Town Road drawn seven and Akuta eight, Green says they will have to turn in exceptional performances to beat Copy That.
And while he had a lot of respect for Self Assured, the only time the Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained pacer had finished ahead of Copy That was when he was disadvantaged in the NZ Cup start shemozzle of 2020.
Self Assured had also trialled only once after a recent setback and even Mark Purdon has declared he would be “pleasantly surprised” if either Self Assured or Akuta won given they are being aimed at The Race By Grins.
Copy That, on the other hand, looked sharp in his Pukekohe workout last Saturday, ripping home in 56.7 to beat a late-closing Old Town Road, despite locking wheels turning for home.
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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.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
