Bring on the Rising Sun! Copy That’s startling win eclipses everything for Ray and Merv
By Barry Lichter • 3 July 2021
Both Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green and owner Merv Butterworth declared Copy That’s whirlwind finish in tonight’s Wondai’s Mate feature at Albion Park as the most exciting win of their careers.
And the blistering speed the horse showed to come from near last on the home turn has convinced Green that Copy That will win next week’s marquee event, the A$250,000 The Rising Sun.
“To be honest I didn’t think we had a prayer tonight,” Green said after driver Anthony Butt returned to a hero’s reception.
“And when I saw him buried four deep in the running, I thought we ain’t going to get a run.
“But they went so hard in front most of them were on their knees at the finish and we were in full flight. Halfway up the straight he had them.
“Anthony was amazed at the speed he showed but that’s his forte. It was a stroll in the park for him.
“It was magic stuff and, yes, that would be my most exciting win because I didn’t expect it.”
Copy That sails down the outskirts of the Albion Park track, with driver Anthony Butt sitting still, to win going away from Balraj, Rockin Marty and Spankem.Green said pre-race all he wanted was to see the horse go a good race.
“Everyone was going on and on about his Jewels run and even I started thinking maybe there was something wrong with him but that’s obviously not the case.
“He’ll be too good for them next week, simple as that. We’ve got Krug to deal with of course but he’ll have too much speed for that horse of McCarthy’s.”
Earlier in the night the McCarthy Rock N Roll Heaven four-year-old Expensive Ego made his own mark on the Brisbane carnival when he overcame a horror trip, three wide to the death, before staving off all challengers in a mile rate of 1.52 for the 1660 metres.
Copy That’s mile rate was slightly slower at 1:52.7 but Butt looked to have plenty up his sleeve as he sat quietly on the horse, winning going away, by 1.9 metres over Balraj, Rockin Marty and the leader Spankem, with Colt Thirty One only sixth after sitting in the breeze.
Butterworth said he’d wait until the barrier draw comes out on Monday afternoon before labelling Copy That.
“Next week we’ll be meeting stronger horses but when I spoke to Ray after the race we both agreed that was his best run ever.”
Merv Butterworth with trainer-driver Kerryn Manning after Arden Rooney’s New Zealand Cup win in 2015 - but Copy That’s win tonight was more exciting.Butterworth said he’d never been so excited about winning a race, and the thrill topped even his New Zealand Cup triumph with Arden Rooney, even though tonight’s stake of A$14,805 was a pittance in comparison to the $412,500 Christchurch prize.
“The cup was a thrill because we were among friends and this time Meg and I are isolated at home in Melbourne but that’s still our best win.
“We had the best driver, the best trainer and the best horse, we had everything going for us, and all we needed was a bit of lady luck which we got.
“Ants is the best of the top drivers and when he’s confident, you can’t beat him.”
Butterworth said Copy That never ceased to keep amazing him, tonight’s win his 20th, taking his stake earnings to $482,897.
“He’s galloped at Auckland a couple of times in a race and still won and that was before he even knew what he was doing.”
Green reported Copy That had pulled up well after the race and could only be improved with the run, his first for nearly a month.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.26pm
“She had to sit parked most of the way last time but still went well, and that’s what she does. She’s proven to be a very promising filly and, while it’s hard these days to win without a good trip, it’s an even field and she’s a good chance again.”
Race 2: Lincoln Lou
5.55pm
“He probably cost himself a win last week by going roughly, but he can do that. If he’d got Frisco Bay’s trip he would have won with his closing quarters of 56 and 27 the fastest in the race. He’s just got to do things right to be the one to beat, even from the bad draw, as it’s an easier field.”
Race 5: Frisco Bay
7.30pm
“He’s up in grade a bit but I don’t think there’s anything between them. He’s just got to get the right run and, with his speed, he’ll be right in it.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.59pm
“He’s no superstar but he’s very honest and he’s always a place chance as he’s a tough bugger, he sat parked last week.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.59pm
“With a similar run to last week, he’d be right in it. He clocked 55.8 and 27.7, doing his best work at the finish. He hasn’t gone a bad race since he’s come back.”
Race 8: Prince Lincoln
8.59pm
“I wasn’t expecting him to do anything on debut as he’s a green, young horse. But he went very well so he’s obviously lifted his game for the occasion. And he’s trained on even better so the experience has enhanced him. From the inside he has to be a good chance.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.59pm
“She’s definitely a better animal left-handed but she was passable right-handed and should go better this time. She’s got some speed.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
8.59pm
“She’s a nice filly but is behind the others. I don’t expect her to beat anything but she needs the experience.”
Race 8: Lincoln Linda
8.59pm
“There won’t be any shadows for her to jump this time so she has to be a serious chance. She’d been dominant at the workouts and trials before her debut but didn’t get the chance to show her true worth.”
Race 8: Lincoln Lover
8.59pm
“Fergie was quite impressed with him on debut and requested the drive again. He finished on strongly up the lane and should go well again. He just needs some luck from the outside of the gate.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 3: Argyle
9.04pm NZ time
“I thought his last two starts have been terrific. There’s no doubt this race is tougher, and he has trickier draw, but I was talking to Angus last night and he was quite upbeat about his chances. He said the horse gave him a good feel when he sat parked two starts back and he picked him too (in the draft). But it won’t be easy. There could be a bit of pressure early. I think he’ll come out and see what unfolds and, if there is too much pressure, he’ll drive him quietly.”
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Manawatu
Race 1: Onyx Shard
5.29pm
“You can put a line through her last run at Cambridge when she pulled up showing signs of a respiratory infection. She had a couple of weeks off after that and, while she hasn’t trialled since, she’s been training down nicely. She’s a nice filly and from the good draw should really win.”
Race 3: Lincoln La Moose
6.19pm
“He wasn’t far away in the amateur race at Auckland last time despite jumping a shadow early and galloping. This is a decent drop in class for him and he should be very competitive.
