Copy That comes through toughest test with flying colours - but Merv’s staying grounded

Melbourne owner Merv Butterworth got it almost straight from the horse’s mouth after Copy That scored another decisive win at Alexandra Park tonight.

Butterworth, who races the exciting pacer with his wife Meg, spoke to driver Maurice McKendry moments after he brought the horse back to scale.

And McKendry quickly explained why, though decisive, the win didn’t appear anywhere near as brilliant as his previous success when he almost broke the New Zealand record for 1700 metres.

“Maurice said he had to face a strong head wind three times and also that the track was off.

“I thought it was his toughest test to date and he came through it well,” Butterworth said.

Trainer Ray Green also assured Butterworth that it wasn’t fair to expect the four-year-old to score scintillating wins every start considering he was now being trained as a 3200 metre horse.

Merv Butterworth checks out Copy That on a previous visit to Auckland.But Butterworth says it’s way too soon to be getting too excited about November’s New Zealand Cup.

And while Copy That appeared to have the measure of his northern rivals, there was still the daunting ask of coming up against the All Stars’ best horse Self Assured plus whatever else the South Island could throw up.

Copy That, who began smartly from his 10 metre handicap, trailed third for the first round before McKendry moved out at the bell to breeze to prevent being buried.

With Check In running along at a relentless clip, Copy That closed within two lengths before the turn and gained the measure of his rival 100 metres from home.

At the line he had a length to spare, with the 2200 metre trip run in 2:42.4, with closing sectionals of 57.4 and 29.4.

Veteran Star Galleria got the photo finish for third, a nose in front of Mach Shard.

Second favourite Belle Of Montana was never a factor after galloping away and finished 45 lengths from the winner in seventh place.