Six will do us just fine, says Ray of Copy That’s Hunter Cup draw for Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 31 January 2023
Copy That should get his chance in Saturday night’s A$500,000 A G Hunter Cup at Melton after drawing barrier six, says trainer Ray Green.
“That’s pretty good, he’ll be able to make his own luck from out there,” said Green.
“It could have been a lot worse, like on the second row, where you’re at the mercy of the others.”
Green said with five runners inside him, Copy That should be able to stay out of trouble in the 2760 metre summer feature.
“He won’t get crossed in a hurry and, though there’s a bit of speed inside him, I’m not worried at all about that draw.”
Green rated Honolua Bay one of the hardest to beat after the Emma Stewart-trained runner drew four on the gate. Honolua Bay rushed home from well back for fourth behind Copy That in the Ballarat Cup at his last start after drawing the outside.
Fellow Kiwi Old Town Road again fared badly, widest on the second row, seeing him soften to the sixth line of betting at $12.
Copy That retained favouritism at $2.60 in the first Australian market, with pole runner Spirit Of St Louis promoted to second favourite at $4.20.
Hurricane Harley, drawn to trail Spirit Of St Louis from the inside of the second row, is third fancy at $7 along with Expensive Ego, alongside him.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Sammy Lincoln
4.54pm
“He’s been disappointing. He had no excuses last time - Andre (Poutama) said he just wouldn’t go - and there’s nothing obvious worrying him. If the real Sammy turned up, he’d be dangerous.”
Race 3: Missy Lincoln
5.53pm
“She’s training really well and seems pretty sharp. She’s very capable and I’m sure she’ll go a good race. She’s done well in two starts against the best and there are none of the best in this field.”
Race 5: Colonel Lincoln
6.59pm
“He’s just getting no luck. It was a non-event last time at Cambrdge - he was checked into a gallop a round from home - and I just want to see him get round.”
Race 7: Leo Lincoln
7.49pm
“He barely holds his own out of the gate and against the likes of Rubira (R88) and Jeremiah (R80) he’s just a runner’s chance.”
