Revitalise strongly supported tonight to get pre cup win for Copy That’s owners
By Barry Lichter • 6 November 2020
The money is coming for Lincoln Farms’ Revitalise who looks a strong winning chance when he drops in grade at Cambridge tonight.
The horses Revitalise will meet in the third race are well down in quality on those he faced at Auckland last time, hence his odds shrinking from $4 to $3.40.
Revitalise, who is raced by Copy That’s Melbourne owners Merv and Meg Butterworth, ran only ninth in Taipo’s impressive 1:53.7 mile at Alexandra Park last week.
But he had no chance after driver Maurice McKendry found himself four wide round the first turn and was forced to ease back to the rear.
Last at the bell, Revitalise had no chance on the clock to catch the leaders but still ran home as well as anything, clocking 1:55.2, with a closing half of 55.5.
“It wasn’t a bad run but the race just wasn’t run to suit him,” says trainer Ray Green. “He’s not quick out of the gate and takes a little while to find his feet.
“But he looks a serious winning chance tonight. The five draw doesn’t matter as he’ll just trundle out.
“Hopefully he won’t be parked but, even if he is, he’ll still run on.”
In his previous start at Cambridge, Revitalise was three wide before making the death at the 900m and was still beaten only by the exciting Alterior Motif, closing gamely to go under by only a neck.
Revitalise suffered a foot abscess soon after that run and missed five days work before his Auckland assignment so he can be expected to be much fitter tonight.
Three starts back he was best of Mr Fantastic’s rivals, the promising three-year-old also going on to win his next start, prompting his owners to refuse a big offer.
Revitalise will again be driven by Maurice McKendry.
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Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
5.55pm
“The race never panned out for him on debut, he got too far back from a second row draw, but we’ve got the gun draw and gun driver (Zachary Butcher) on this time. He can run off the gate a bit so I don’t see why he can’t lead. I’d like to think he’s a chance to get some money. He’s been trialling and working well.”
Ray’s tips
Thursday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.41pm
“He missed four or five days work with an abscess in his foot when he came back from Manawatu so he could be a bit short.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.41pm
“She doesn’t handle the bends so well the Auckland way and is just going round to lose points. She’s been crucified by the handicapping system.”
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
6.06pm
“He’s not the finished article yet but he’s slowly getting the hang of it. There are nicer horses in the race than the ones he raced against at Manawatu so I’Il be happy if he can just do everything right and run a slot.”
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.31pm
“She won from a wide draw last time at Manawatu but this is a slightly harder field. She keeps drawing badly and the outside gate might inconvenience her again.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.22pm
“He got pushed out down the back last time because he couldn’t keep up. We had big aspirations for him but it looks like he isn’t as good as we thought. Nothing can beat Marketplace.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
7.54pm
“I’m sure she’s up to them when she’s right but she’s had her setbacks recently. First she tied up and then she kicked out at something and bruised a foot. She’s right now but that will render her not 100% fit.”
Race 9: Lincoln La Moose
9.36pm
“He went good races at Palmy but he pulled far too hard here last time. It was a better run than it looks on paper though as he couldn’t get a run at them in the straight. He’s probably on his mark now and will need a bit of luck.”
