Copy That draws perfectly for Tuesday’s Cup - with main rivals stranded on the second row

Copy That has tightened in to a $3.60 clear favourite after drawing perfectly in eight for his defence of Tuesday’s $600,000 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington.

But the news isn’t so good for two of his main rivals, second favourite Australian Rock N Roll Doo on the second row in 13 and third fancy, the accomplished front-runner B D Joe in 15.

Of the next main fancies Akuta drew three, Old Town Road nine and 2020 cup winner Self Assured one.

Krug, the last horse to make the 15-horse cut, will start from four.

Lincoln Farms’ trainer Ray Green was delighted with the eight draw, the same slot he started from in last year’s cup.

“That’s a very good draw and should affirm his favouritism. I just didn’t want to draw the second line because he’s such a good stepper. From eight he can get past the ones who don’t get out so well.”

Green reported Copy That had settled in beautifully at Ken Barron’s Toliman Lodge after his flight south from Auckand on Tuesday.

“He had a jog this morning, is bouncy and happy, and is now enjoying a nice, big paddock in the sun.”

The big drifter in the market is B D Joe who has slumped from a $6 second favourite to the sixth line on $12 after drawing the second row, along with his stablemate Alta Wiseguy who has eased from $21 to $31.

Rock N Roll Doo’s second row draw also saw him let out to $6.

* Rock N Roll Doo, Krug and Old Town Road are the only three starters in the traditional cup trial today at 5.35pm.

* Self Assured has been treated for a blood disorder since he finished seventh in the Ashburton Flying Stakes, driver Mark Purdon reporting he felt lethargic.