Copy That, inner, leads Alta Wiseguy just short of the post at Auckland last Saturday night.
Surprise bonus run by Copy That a real drawcard for Cambridge on Saturday night
By Barry Lichter • 3 January 2023
Copy That fans will get to enjoy a surprise bonus run from the little champ at Cambridge on Saturday night.
Trainer Ray Green has entered the dual New Zealand Cup winner for the $25,000 Cliff Thomas Memorial (mobile 1700m), which has attracted just six nominations.
The Waikato-Bay Of Plenty Club has extended nominations for all its races until Wednesday morning but Green says there’s no indication the race won’t be held.
“I put him in when I saw the nominations were the same ones he’s been racing, plus Old Town Road.
“The race is ideally timed before his trip - he’s due to fly out four days later on the Wednesday and it will be two weeks until his first run in Victoria. If he didn’t race he’d have to trial, and he’d probably have nothing to run against. And it makes sense to run for $25,000 than trial for nothing.”
Green says Copy That appears to have pulled up very well from his hard race last Saturday evening when he had to work overtime to catch the field and was pipped only in the very last stride by Alta Wiseguy in a finish that had the crowd on its feet and everyone guessing.
“I thought his run was exceptional. Nothing else in the field could have done what he did.
“He seems to have come through the race fine and running again over a mile (1700 metres) won’t kill him, so why not? They’ll all be on the front but he’ll draw the outside.”
Under the preferential barrier system, if no more horses enter, Old Town Road, comparatively lightly rated at R85 will start from two, Alta Wiseguy from four and Copy That from six.
Old Town Road hasn’t raced for two months, when he ran an outstanding third in the New Zealand Free-for-all, beaten two half heads by Self Assured and Majestic Cruiser. He has not been to a workout or trial since.
Blair Orange will continue his association with Copy That at Cambridge and will stay with the champ when he has his first Australian run in the A$150,000 Ballarat Cup (2710m) on January 21.
Six horses have been nominated for the Cliff Thomas Memorial on Saturday night.
More news in Harness
Worse draw puts unlucky Tyson in better spot to win at Auckland on Friday night
Debbie Lincoln’s home stretch burst pointer of things to come; but her draw rankles on Friday
Streets’ donation raises $100,000 for charity and Timmy could be a supermarket special
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.”
