Star Kiwi firms as Hunter Cup favourite

STAR New Zealand pacer Copy That has earned pre-draw favouritism for next month's A G Hunter Cup thanks to his success in Ballarat tonight.

Having "finally shown his best in Victoria", Copy That captured the club's Group One Cup in stylish fashion.

The Ray Green-trained stallion will be kept fresh ahead of the Grand Circuit event, which is scheduled to be conducted at Tabcorp Park Melton on February 4.

Thrilled with the six-year-old's performance, co-owner Merv Butterworth is eagerly awaiting Copt That's next assignment.

Butterworth, who races his team with his wife Meg, is no stranger to Hunter Cup glory, having owned 2015 winner, Arden Rooney.

"We are very excited that Copy That has finally shown his best in Victoria," Butterworth said. "His two previous visits haven't gone all that well, including him being injured in December 2021 and spending months on the sidelines.

"We brought him over here for two races, tonight's and the Hunter Cup in a couple of weeks.

"He has gone terrific tonight and gives us plenty to feel confident about ahead of the big one."

Rated to perfection by Blair Orange, Copy That led throughout the 2710-metre trip to score by two-and-a-half metres from Honolua Bay.

Triple Eight was a head away third in 1:56.2.

Stretching his record to 31 wins and 13 placings from 58 starts, Copy That has bankrolled $1,473,614.