After 75 years, Pukekohe trainer Ray Green has a starter in the New Zealand Trotting Cup, and it's now the joint favourite to win the race in two weeks time.
On Monday, Green had one of his greatest days at the office, as 'Copy That' blew his opponents away in the Ashburton Flying Stakes, and now he aims to become the first North Island cup winner in more than a decade.
The four-year-old has spent the year carving up in Auckland, and if anyone was wondering just how much of a threat he is for the New Zealand Cup, they got their answer in Ashburton.
"In front he's never been run down," Green tells Newshub. "Nothing's ever passed him, so I knew they wouldn't beat him."
Lifting the New Zealand Cup in a fortnight's time will be no easy feat. Mark Purdon's All Star stable has won five of the last six.
The last time a North Islander tasted success was way back in 2008.
"This year it seems a little easier for outsiders to come in and take their race off them," says Green.
'Copy That' will be in safe hands, with three-time defending driver's premiership winner Blair Orange taking the reins.
"He's got that x-factor and whatever you ask him to do, he does it for you," Orange says. "So you know you're sitting behind a good horse."
One thing's for sure, Green won't die wondering in his bid for the cup.
"People think I should retire but people die when they retire" Green quips.
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