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.
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Leo Lincoln close to a win: Watch how he copped it early last time at Manawatu
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
