In-form Argyle says goodbye to New Zealand for better opportunities in Victoria

Argyle will join his stablemates Copy That and Simply Sam on a flight to Melbourne on Wednesday after his excellent all-the-way win at Cambridge last night.

And the way Copy That and Simply Sam trialled at Pukekohe today suggested all three horses will arrive in great condition for their early spring Victorian assault.

Argyle is improving so quickly now, Lincoln Farms’ owner John Street and trainer Ray Green say he could be up to tackling the Victoria Derby in October, along with Simply Sam.

Driver Maurice McKendry told Green that Argyle won his fourth race from his last five starts with plenty in hand.

At the line he had one and a quarter lengths to spare over a fast closing herd of six horses, who finished with only a blanket between them, the 2200 metres run in 2:41.7, good time in the slushy going.

“Maurice had to keep him going but that’s what he’s like, he looks around when he’s in front. But that’s a good fault. He won’t really run until they attack him.

“Six months ago you wouldn’t have given two bob for him but he’s improved immensely.”

Street laments the fact that they are now forced to take Argyle to Melbourne to find suitable races, and he says the chances are the horse won’t be coming back.

Argyle returns for Maurice McKendry after the fourth win in his last five starts. PHOTO: Chanelle Lawson.When Argyle was nominated for Auckland the previous week the only race for him was against Copy That, a grim reflection on the handicapping system when a three-win horse had to front a 24-race winner of almost $1 million.

“He’s won four races and all of a sudden there’s bugger all for him here now. There are plenty of races for him in Victoria.

“We’ll nominate him for the Derby and see what happens. He can always contest the lesser races.”

Argyle could contest two three-year-old races in September to see where he sits among the locals, the A$15,000 Holloway Classic (mobile 2200m) at Ballarat on September 9 and the A$25,000 Withers Classic (mobile 2180m) at Kilmore on September 23.

“He’ll be well handicapped over there and they could be easy kills,” Green said.

Green believes both Simply Sam and Copy That will be very competitive and should be spot on for the A$24,000 Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby heats on October 1 and the $A200,000 Final (mobile 2760m) on October 8.

Green says his spies tell him that while Grant Dixon’s Leap To Fame, the winner of 12 of his 17 starts including the NSW Derby and Queensland Derby, is very good, “the rest aren’t up to much.”

Hot 25.9 last 400

Green was delighted at the way Simply Sam ran home today in his workout at Pukekohe, driver Zachary Butcher only allowing him to make ground late from the rear with a closing 400 in a hot 25.9.

Despite losing a shoe in the running, Simply Sam finished fourth, only a neck, half a head and two and a half lengths behind Copy That, Taipo and Major Perry.

The effort showed the horse had recovered from a tying up episode the previous week.

“I think it was because all the spring grass is coming through, which doubled his protein intake. We’ve since cut back on his grain.

“I’ll take a blood on Monday before he goes to make sure he’s all right.”

Green says he’s pleased to have Argyle, who is a gelding, joining Copy That and Simply Sam on the plane to Melbourne so he can be loaded in between the two colts to keep the peace.

Copy That is cruising in front with 300 metres to run at Pukekohe today.But Green isn’t expecting any troubles with Copy That who is looking much more mature and now yells like a stallion.

“He’s a great campaigner. Take him to a strange track and he stands there for a minute and looks around then it’s like he’s been there all his life.

“He never shies at new things, never bats an eyelid, he’s fearless. The only thing he doesn’t like is that yellow track conditioner over there,” said Green pointing at the Franklin club’s grooming machine parked near the track.

Copy That didn’t have time to be distracted today, though. Burned to an early lead by McKendry he paced sweetly in front, before unleashing a 56.1 last 800 and 26 last 400.

“Maurice said he felt really good,” said Green taking a terrific heart rate reading of 69 afterwards.

“He couldn’t be going over there in better nick. All we have to do is keep him there. All three of them are in good nick.”

Turning for home and Colonel Lincoln leads Gandalf.Meanwhile, Colonel Lincoln looked one to follow after he finished a fine third in a strong two-year-old line-up.

Driven to the lead from gate six by McKendry in the 2050 metre heat, Colonel Lincoln fought well late to finish half a head and one length behind the top rated Merlin and well touted Son Of Mac. Behind him were Gandalf, Frankie Major and Benson Dude.

Young Guns winner Merlin, unbeaten in four races, came from last, the leaders clocking a mile rate of 2:01, home in 56.2 and 28.8.

McKendry said Colonel Lincoln kept going strongly but noted he put in a few funny steps in the running.

Green revealed the colt had only just recovered from a lingering foot abscess which had sidelined him since his excellent last start second behind Rocknroll Hammer at Auckland on June 16.

Colonel Lincoln is being aimed at the Sires’ Sakes Final at Addington in November.

In other heats, My Copy battled late for third after leading, Commander Lincoln struggled a bit but still qualified when fourth and Next To Me, who nearly died after a bad reaction to viral medication last month, earned a four week spell when feeling flat in his heat behind Montana DJ.