Kiwi pacer backed to finally show his best in Victoria

We’re yet to see the absolute best of Copy That (American Ideal) here in Victoria, but the horse’s closest companion for his latest harness racing trip across the Tasman is confident the star pacer is ready to fire this time around.

The million-dollar earner has won just the one race in this state, with a serious leg injury ruining his first visit to Victoria and the most recent venture returning just the one victory from four starts through September and October.

Andrew Drake, travelling foreman for trainer Ray Green, said the six-year-old was thriving ahead of Saturday night’s PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup.

“He’s coming over a lot fitter this time,” Drake said during Tuesday’s special Ballarat Pacing Cup barrier draw broadcast on RSN.

“He’s had three races since the New Zealand Cup – very good races – and he’s definitely in fine form right now.”

Drake flew out to meet Copy That last week and has been with the horse every day during his stay at Anton Golino’s stables just outside Ballarat.

He will stay there through the next few weeks as Copy That tackles the Ballarat Pacing Cup and then the Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup on February 4.

Drake said he had been in regular contact with Green and had positive reports for the 77-year-old trainer.

“I rang him (Monday) and just told him that I haven’t seen this horse so bright,” Drake said.

“Going in pretty confident to be honest… to see him so bright, eating up, drinking so well. He’s definitely thriving off the trip – so far anyway.”

Blair Orange has guided Copy That to eight wins from 10 drives and will fly out to Australia to partner the horse in both the Ballarat and Hunter Cup assignments.

He has drawn barrier five for Saturday night’s Group 1 at Bray Raceway, with the TAB opening him up as a $4 fixed odds chance.

LISTEN TO DRAKE SPEAK ON RSN (FROM 5.45MIN) BELOW:

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV