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Copy That is holding well as Line Up charges late, with Mighty Looee third on the markers. PHOTO: Phil Williams/FokusPhotography.

Ray: Exciting times as Copy That and Line Up have plenty of improvement to come

Both Copy That and Line Up, who ran the quinella in the first Sires’ Stakes heat for Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green, are far from the complete package.

The talented pair both put in a few wonky steps at Cambridge on Thursday night despite clearly outpointing their rivals, Copy That dominating once he got to the front and Line Up coming with a spirited late bid.

And that augurs well for the future of both colts, who looked to have the wood on their northern counterparts in the first clash of the top three-year-olds.

Driver Zachary Butcher told Green that Copy That put in “two or three funny steps” in the running.

“He was a bit rolly at the start as well but Zac said it was only when he started dropping off the bit that he got a bit rough.

“Time and practice will fix that but Zac said with a lap to go when he flicked him on the arse he was off.”

Green credited smart early thinking by Butcher for Copy That’s win as he let the colt slide forward as soon as he saw Line Up about to claim the lead.

Copy That was alongside Peter Ferguson on Mighty Looee in a flash, before he had the chance to ease out from three back in the running, a position which cost Robert Dunn’s horse in the end when he was held up just before turning for home.

And after Butcher let Copy That stride to the front at the bell, the race was virtually in safe keeping.

Trainer Ray Green, right, and owner Merv Butterworth enjoying the good times with Copy That.Trainer Ray Green, right, and owner Merv Butterworth enjoying the good times with Copy That.Line Up, who only just made the start line after a week recovering from a foot abscess, was also not perfect in his gait.

“David (Butcher) said he nearly lost him a couple of times when he got pulling.

“He’s still very green too and he was left scrambling a bit when the other horse sprinted in the straight.

“But when he found his feet he really finished off well and I was very pleased with his run.”

Line Up closed to within three-quarters of a length at the post, good going on a mile rate of 1:56.1, with closing sectionals of 57.9 and 27.6.

“I still don’t think there’s much between them,” said Green.
“And all the pressure is off us now as they’ve both qualified for the final. We can just plan our assault at our leisure.”

Both colts are likely to run in the second and final northern qualifying heat at Auckland on October 25, Green saying there’s no alternative for Copy That.

Penalised eight points for his win, Copy That is now rated 70, meaning he would “be murdered” having to clash with the top horses otherwise.

Green will be watching keenly tonight when the first southern Sires’ Stakes heat is run at Addington, where the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen pair Aqua Sancta and Virgil hold sway after the injury-forced scratching of stablemate Italian Lad.

The $170,000 NZ Sires’ Stakes Final is run on cup day at Addington, November 12.

The Empress is unextended to stave off a late bid by Ally Mae at Cambridge. PHOTO: Phil Williams/FokusPhotography.The Empress is unextended to stave off a late bid by Ally Mae at Cambridge. PHOTO: Phil Williams/FokusPhotography.Green ensured Copy That’s Australian owner Merv Butterworth got a second round of whisky in the hospitality room at Cambridge when he produced The Empress to win the following race.

Thrown into the race in the ratings, after some sterling performances in stronger company at Auckland, The Empress rolled to the front soon after the start for Zachary Butcher and never looked in danger, returning a healthy $3 for what looked the bet of the night.

Her 2:43.26 performance was easily good enough to stave off a late marker charge from the unlucky Ally Mae, who was held up, by one and three-quarter lengths.

“She was never going to get beaten once she made the front,” said Green. “She’s tough and just keeps going.

“I don’t know how far she’ll take us but you can’t fault what she’s done so far.

“We might as well have a go for the better mares’ races around Christmas as there won’t be much else for her.”

Green is looking at the Group III Northern Breeders’ Stakes and Group I Queen Of Hearts at Auckland.

Cambridge last night was a good one all round for Lincoln Farms with its talented driver Andre Poutama scoring a training double with Superfast Ninja and Runcle and Beautiful Stranger notching a tough win for its stallion Sir Lincoln.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm

“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”

Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm

“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm

“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”

Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm

“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”

Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm

“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”

Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm

“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”

Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm

“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”

Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm

“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”

Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm

“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”

Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm

“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”

Race Images - Harness