Revealed: Group 1 Australian Cup Box Draw

TIM ZOO will need to overcome a wide draw for the third successive week if he is to defend his Australian Cup crown at The Meadows on Saturday night.

The son of Aussie Infrared has been out of this world in the opening two weeks of the Australian Cup carnival, winning the Group 1 Temlee in last stride fashion from box seven before winning his Australian Cup heat from box eight in dazzling style.

Tim Zoo negotiated box one to win last year's Australian Cup but will need to overcome box eight if he is to go back-to-back.

Trainer Jason Thompson has three Australian Cup finalists with Tim Zoo (8) joined by Flying Zulu which will exit box seven and Excavation which has drawn box five.

Smart heat winner Vincent Bale has drawn box three in his pursuit for a breakthrough group 1 while Canya All Class, a barnstorming second in his semi-final, will exit box two.

Zipping Hopkins has run two slashing races in the opening two rounds and his chances for the final enhanced significantly after drawing box one.

Mepunga Tully, the only female in the field, has drawn box four, while Deadly Avenger, second to Tim Zoo in his semi-final has drawn box six. 

BOX DRAW GROUP 1 AUSTRALIAN CUP – THE MEADOWS SATURDAY NIGHT

1. Zipping Hopkins
2. Canya All Class
3. Vincent Bale
4. Mepunga Tully
5. Excavation
6. Deadly Avenger
7. Flying Zulu
8. Tim Zoo
9. Smooth Plane
10. Amron Tiger