Copy That on target to successfully defend his crown

Copy That (American Ideal) will share the same flight from Melbourne to Auckland as Rock N Roll Doo (Rock N Roll Heaven) as the harness racing pair head across the ditch to prepare for the New Zealand Cup.

And trainer Ray Green insists Copy That is right on target to successfully defend his crown at Addington on November 8.

“His Victoria Cup run was good and he’s come through it well,” Green said.

Copy That was behind the leader early then shuffled to three pegs when Better Eclipse took a trail on Expensive Ego.

The tiring Expensive Ego certainly hurt Copy That’s chances and denied him momentum and eventual winner Rock N Roll Doo scooted clear and Honolua Bay chased him from the one-one trail.

Despite the slick 26.7sec official last quarter, Copy That closed to within 4.9m of the winner.

Significantly, Copy That made-up almost two lengths on dual Group 1 winner Better Eclipse in the run home and almost nosed him out of third spot.

“It was a really good run … have a look after the line, he’s still charging and is in front not long after they passed the post,” Green said.

“I liked what I saw and it was great to hear Nathan (Jack, driver) give him a good report after the race, too.

“As I said going into the race, everything about him told me the bleed hadn’t affected him and his run showed that.

“We just put it behind us and move forward now.”

Rock N Roll Doo’s trainer-driver Mick Stanley said his four-year-old came through the Victoria Cup win superbly.

“He was charging around the place at lunchtime (Sunday),” he said. “He’s pulled up really well.”

Stanley will accompany Rock N Roll Doo his whole time in NZ – a month – and it’s almost certain he will go to the Ashburton Flying Stakes on October 24.

“That’s the plan if everything goes well getting across and settling in,” Stanley said.

“Then we have the option of the Cup ‘trial’, but it’s more likely we will miss that and just take him into Addington for a workout and to have a look around the place ourselves before the Cup.”

Stanley and his star will be stabled with Cran and Chrissie Dalgety during their time in Canterbury.

“I’m sure that’ll only add even more to what should be a fantastic trip,” Stanley said.

For complete race results, click here.

By Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing New Zealand