Butcher will join his father David (Changeover) and uncle Philip (Awesome Armbro) in the great race. He and Dexter Dunn (Bettor's Strike) will be the only junior drivers in the 2700m mobile.

The announcement comes just seven days after Butcher junior drove another Small runner - Indulge - to seventh in last Friday's $150,000 Northern Oaks.

"That was my first group One drive and then today I find out I'm driving Tintin In America in the Cup. Wow that is just too much to take in. I'm still numb from it all. I can't wait," the gifted 18-year-old said.

It has been a remarkable rise for Butcher who has only been driving for two years. He did have two unsuccessful drives in 2007-2008 and last season he saluted the judge 18 times. This season he has won 27 times and placed a on a further 35 occasions.

He was grateful to Small and the owners of Tintin In America - the ATC Trot 2008 Syndicate.

"I have never driven the horse before and they have shown great faith in me. He's drawn one on the second line so he won't have to do much work and then hopefully he can get one last sprint at them," Butcher said.

That's exactly how Small read the race.

"He's a pretty good kid and promising reinsman. It's in his blood really isn't it? He won't have to do much driving from the second row, one draw. It won't be much fun for him back there but hopefully late in the race Zac will be able to give the horse some clear air.

"I don't think the horse will win. He's maybe 12 months away from a race like this, but for Zac's sake I hope he does do the business," Small said.

Small said it would be nice to farewell Changeover on a winning note. It will be Changeover's last racing before taking up a stud career at Nevele R Stud.

"He's been good to us and that would be the perfect way for him to bow out. He's good enough to win it," Small said.

Meanwhile, Butcher paid a tribute to all the owners who had put him on their horses this season.

"I have a lot of people to thank for giving me the chance to get on their horses, especially Peter Scaife from Foxton. He has given me and Dad a lot of drives this season and he is one of the main reasons I think Geoff considered me. I must have driven about 15 winners for Peter this season. Without them I don't think I would have got this Auckland Cup drive," Butcher said.

Butcher believed the nine draw would suit Tintin In America, a 4yo son of McArdle.

"I won't have to do much early and he can sprint when he has to. He has raw speed which will help in a big race like this. I'm just rapt. I can't wait," said the talented reinsman who turns 19 next month.

Tintin In America is one of three Small trained pacers in the Cup. Changeover and Awesome Armbro are paying $6.50 and $31 to win it, while Tintin In America is the fifth favourite at $9.

Duane RANGER (editor)