Copy That’s clash with the big guns headlines an exciting night ahead for Lincoln Farms

Lincoln Farms lines up nine horses in seven races at Auckland on Thursday night, several with excellent chances, but without doubt Copy That’s first clash with the cup class pacers will be the highlight.

And trainer Ray Green, while acknowledging it will be the star three-year-old’s toughest test to date, is quietly confident he won’t let his supporters down.

Copy That, fresh from annihilating lesser rivals at Alexandra Park a week ago, meets four big name runners from the stable of Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan, three from Steve and Amanda Telfer’s barn and old warhorse Star Galleria.

“All the top age group horses I’ve had in the past have taken two or three runs to find their feet against the tough, older horses. It’s a big transition for them to make.

“But Copy That is exceptional and could be a very serious racehorse. They were never going to beat him last week when he only had to roar up the home straight in a small field but I’m picking he’ll have a few challengers this time.”

Green says while he won’t be telling Maurice McKendry how to drive the horse, he suspects he will have a crack at the lead from four on the gate.

“It’s only 1700 metres so I think Maurice will have no choice but to have a dab at the top and from there I think he’ll be a very good chance of winning again. I’m sure he’ll be favourite.

“Barry’s horses have had only one trial but I’m sure they’ve been well drilled at home so they won’t be far off (race fitness).”

Phelan takes the reins on speedy mare Wainui Creek who is sure to offer early resistance from the pole, Tony Herlihy drives Mach Shard from five, Mark Purdon is behind On The Cards in six and Zachary Butcher stays with his favourite Belle Of Montana from one on the second row.

Green likes several of Lincoln Farms’ other runners on the night and doesn’t rule out an opening blow in the first race with Franco Nandor.

“Form a decent draw this time he’ll be one of the hardest to beat because it’s not a strong field.

“He lost a lot of muscle and strength when we gelded him but he should do better from now on.”

Man Of Action … trained “super” this week.On his work this week Green is very keen on Man Of Action (race 11), even from his second row draw.

“He’ll be at the mercy of the ones he’s following out but he’s trained super this week and I think he’s a definite chance. He’s improving all the time.”

Man Of Action was best of Tommy Lincoln’s rivals last week, closing to length and three-quarters at the line.

Unluckiest runner

Apieceoflou was Green’s unluckiest runner last week and needs only a little luck to go his way on Thursday night to break through in the sixth race.

Apieceoflou belied his long odds last week when taking on the All Stars’ team, coming from last at the 600 and running into a brick wall when mounting a spirited late bid in the run home.

He should have run second to Nevada, instead of fourth, but Green can see him getting his just rewards tomorrow night.

“Second row draws can be good and if Gopati goes out he’d be right in it.

“He’s come from way back in all his runs and he’s developing into a tidy horse.”

Green believes Louie The Punter needs to lead to threaten his stablemate.

“He’s a big, dumb sort who gets a bit lost and awkward in the field and the stop-start racing confuses him.

“But if he could be put on the front end, on a nice steady rhythm, I think we’d see a different horse.”

Last start winner Tommy Lincoln and American Dealer give Green a strong hand in race seven.

Tommy Lincoln made the most of his ace draw last week and, while he goes to the outside of the gate this time, Green isn’t writing him off.

“The wide draw shouldn’t worry him - he’ll just mooch forward. It’s pointless for him to go back, his MO is to get rolling. I thought he was travelling easily at the finish last time.”

American Dealer … real tradesman who will be powering home.Classy type American Dealer, now racing for successful American owners Gordon Banks and Marc Hanover, will need luck from the inside of the second row in the same race. But he might just get it with the horse he’s following Eastanbull a noted gate flyer.

American Dealer put in his typical tradesman-like performance last week, powering home up the passing lane to be beaten only half a neck and half a head.

“You can be sure he’ll be running on strongly again at the finish.”

Strength isn’t Larry Lincoln’s forte and Green says how he goes in the fourth race will depend on how aggressive the junior drivers get.

“He’ll lead easily because he’s got a lot of speed but he can’t burn at both ends so it depends on how hard they go.

“But he’s good in front so he’s a chance to run a hole.”

Captain Nemo (race 12) rounds out what could be a bumper night for Lincoln Farms, but from the second row he will need some luck.

When David Butcher lit up Captain Nemo last week and looped the field to be handy at the bell, the green three-year-old started over-racing badly. And when Peter Ferguson eased back on Johnny Mac in the death seat, and further crowded him, Butcher had no choice but to come out of the one-one and let the horse run.

“That cost him a spot at the finish,” said Green of Captain Nemo who still finished only a head and one and a quarter lengths behind Tommy Tukaa.

“He’s a lovely big horse who’s also on the up. I think he’ll improve on last time.”