The Aussie angle of the NZ Cup

It was an Aussie win in harness racing’s New Zealand Cup (Nov. 8), but not one to change the history books.

The Victorian-owned star Copy That (American Ideal) worked to the front – just as he did 12 months earlier – and gave husband and wife Merv and Meg Butterworth back-to-back victories in the biggest race of any code in NZ.

Hopes were high one of two Aussie raiders would win and become just the second Australian-trained NZ Cup winner in the past 35 years, but Majestic Cruiser had to be content with a monstrous second and Rock N Roll Doo ruined his chances by galloping away from the standing-start.

But that was the furthest thing from Merv Butterworth’s mind as he held the Cup trophy aloft.

“This is special. It’s a moment to treasure because Meg and I had to watch from the ‘den’ at home last year because of Covid (travel restrictions),” he said.

“We going anywhere and everywhere to watch our horses so that really hurt last year, but to come back 12 months later and go back-to-back makes up for it all.”

Butterworth heaped praise on the “genius” of trainer Ray Green, who resurrected Copy That after a small bleed only four starts back during a Victorian campaign.

“There is nothing the man can’t do and this should finally get him the recognition he deserves,” he said. “Ray never wavered in his confidence he had the horse right again and look at the result.”

The veteran Green said the win was “a real career highlight after everything we’ve been through with him.”

Driver Cam Hart was in awe of Majestic Cruiser’s effort to finish second, less than a length from the winner, after being shoved five and six wide around the final bend.

“I think he’d have won if they hadn’t pushed us deep. We went from cruising to chasing and to get around them so wide and still set out after the leader like he did was incredible,” he said.

“He and Jason (Grimson) are a perfect match – both big occasion players.

“He’s such a great stayer this horse and you saw it again today. Bring on the Inter Dominion.”

Victoria Cup winner Rock N Roll Doo’s Cup quest was over before it started when he galloped his way out of contention from the standing-start.

“That was always the risk coming here,” said a measured but obviously disappointed trainer-driver Mick Stanley.

“Inexperience didn’t help him today, but part of the reason for coming was the learning curve of it all and the trip away to help him develop.

“Luckily we’ve got the (Group 1) NZ free-for-all on Friday and we’ll back him in up that now.”

Stanley ruled-out Rock N Roll Doo for the Inter Dominion.

Grimson said a decision on whether Majestic Cruiser ran in Friday’s NZ free-for-all or skipped it to focus on the start of the Inter Dominion on November 26 would be made tomorrow (Wednesday).

NZ CUP REPLAY

by Adam Hamilton, for Newscorp