Favourites scratched from New Zealand Trotting Cup

Less than two weeks out from the biggest day on the Kiwi harness racing calendar, two of the favorites have been ruled out of the New Zealand Trotting Cup.

Back-to-back winner Copy That was vying to become just the fourth horse ever to win three New Zealand Cups in a row, but the champion pacer was forced to withdraw recently due to a knee injury.

Now Self Assured is out too, with co-trainer Mark Purdon confirming the decision has been made off the back of recent poor form.

With both those horses gone, Akuta has emerged as the clear the favourite, having recently won the Kaikoura Cup.

The barrier draw is yet to be released, with plenty riding on next week's pre-cup trial.