Zealand Star pictured winning at Cambridge. PHOTO: FokusPhotography.
More tests for Zealand Star after sudden lameness baffles Green
By Barry Lichter • 20 March 2019
Trainer Ray Green is hoping a second vet can find what’s ailing Zealand Star who suddenly went lame on Tuesday.
Zealand Star, who has proved a revelation since Green took the horse over for Australian owner Merv Butterworth, walked to morning trackwork seemingly fine but was lame as soon as stepped off in a pace.
“We had lots of X-rays taken but couldn’t find anything,’’ says Green. “It’s in the stifle area but it must be a soft tissue thing.
“He’s obviously done something to himself in the night. He walks OK but once he’s out of a walk he’s lame as.’’
Green has summoned another vet to Lincoln Farms tomorrow in the hope they can find the problem.
The stifle area is the largest and most complicated joint in the horse’s body and injuries can be notoriously difficult to pinpoint.
“Until they suss out what’s wrong I have no way of knowing how long he will be out.’’
Zealand Star was to have run in the sixth race at Auckland on Friday night, back to a mobile after again struggling with a standing start last week.
Five starts back at Cambridge he showed what he was capable of when setting a track record 1:54.8 for 1700 metres.
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
5.06pm
“He ran his best race last week, just failing to catch the winner and from two we should see more of the same.”
Race 6: Im Not The Maid
6.57pm
“She had a bit of a duel up front last week and over-raced afterwards, which cost her. I’ll use some plugs (removeable deafeners) this week which should help. She tries hard and has a good draw.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln La Moose
5.38pm
“We couldn’t find anything specific that explained his poor last effort. He’s a nice enough horse but he’s still very green. I wouldn’t condemn him on that last run and he’s trained on well.”
Race 1: Tyson
5.38pm
“He had a bit of a foot issue after his last race and we had to stop and cut a bit of his seedy toe away. He missed a bit of work but he trialled well last week and I expect him to go well.”
Race 9: Frisco Bay
9.31pm
“I was very pleased with his run in the Metro Final last week and, in a much weaker field, he looks the one to beat.”
Race 9: Obadiah Dragon
9.31pm
“He’s going good races and I don’t think there’s a lot between him and Frisco Bay. He can get another cheque.”
