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
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
$101 winner Lincoln Wave has improved and is worth following in Friday’s derby lead-up
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Sharpe Stride, Marylynes Boy, Omaha Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Colonel Lincoln, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Prince Lincoln.
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
