Just treat last week’s run as an anomaly

JUST treat last week’s run as an anomaly.

That’s the advice from Copy That’s owner Merv Butterworth.

Favourite in the Cranbourne Cup, Copy That finished at the tail of the field – beaten 36 metres – as Supreme Dominator continued his sensational form to claim the Group Two.

Engaged in Ballarat’s popular Boxing Day meeting, the son of American Ideal is ready to bounced back to his best according to Butterworth.

“Last week was just one of those things with horses,” Butterworth said. “He was 100 per cent before the race and was 100 per cent after the race!

“Horses are designed to confuse us and that’s been the case this week.

“We can only put it down to him not being in the mood on the night and move forward from here.”

To be driven by Chris Svanosio, Copy That has drawn barrier 10 – the outside of the back line – in the Sokyola Sprint.

“I’m not too concerned about the draw,” Butterworth said. “He’s come from there and won before.

“It’s never easy to come from the second row over 1710 metres, but he has the class to do it.

“Hopefully he is in the right mood this week!”

As for the feature’s namesake, Sokyola continues to enjoy a quiet life at trainer Lance Justice’s Ballan property.

The sprightly 24-year-old is “in fantastic condition for his age” according to Justice.

A dual Miracle Mile winner, Sokyola was retired after scoring at Moonee Valley on June 22, 2007.

The son of Soky’s Atom registered 78 wins and 42 placings from 161 starts for a bankroll of $1,890,990.

“He still gets around his paddock quite smoothly,” Justice said. “He definitely enjoys the warmer months.

“He’s in fantastic condition for his age…I wish I was doing as well as him in my veteran years!”