Wondai’s Mate

Both trainer Ray Green and owner Merv Butterworth declared Copy That’s whirlwind finish in the 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 convinced Green that Copy That was ready for Brisbane’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.

“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 clocked a mile rate of 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 never been so excited about winning a race, and the thrill topped even his New Zealand Cup triumph with Arden Rooney, even though the stake of A$14,805 was a pittance in comparison to the $412,500 Christchurch prize.

“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.”

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.