Copperplate was 4 th, beaten 4.5 lengths, at Ellis park on Friday. Since he broke from the rail it was important for him to get away from the gate quickly. Unfortunately, the 6 horse engaged him almost straightaway and Copperplate got into somewhat of a speed duel. We say “somewhat” because the pace wasn’t slow by any means, but 0:22.4 and 0:47.1 aren’t exactly blazing fractions for a 5.5 race either. Jockey Miguel Mena said that by the head of the lane he knew he might be in a little trouble because he just couldn’t shake the 6 and Copperplate was starting to struggle somewhat. Just like some of his other races Copperplate kept trying through the wire but he just wasn’t able to quicken in the lane.
