Monika Ranger brings Next To Me back to scale after his recent win at Cambridge. PHOTO: Chanelle Lawson.
Next To Me survives bad reaction to viral medication - it was touch and go for a while
By Barry Lichter • 27 July 2022
Well bred three-year-old Next To Me is recovering at a Drury veterinary clinic after reacting badly to a viral medication.
Trainer Ray Green said he treated the recent winner on Monday with a commonly used drug he’d used hundreds of times.
“But in less than a minute he was in trouble and we had to send him to the vet hospital.
“He was in a bad way, and it was touch and go for him for a while, but he’s on the improve now and the vet thinks he could be well enough to come home on Friday.”
Green says it’s extremely rare for horses to react badly to the drug.
“It’s a medicine we always use for viruses - I’ve used a gallon of it. It’s the most commonly used remedy for viruses and secondary infections and is seen universally as safe.
“It was a bit of a worry but I spoke to Jenny Sonis, at Veterinary Associates, this morning and he’s turned the corner.
“He’s such a nice little horse and it’s a shame to see him compromised like that but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”
Next To Me, a $200,000 yearling buy, won three starts back at Cambridge and turned in another cracking run there last week when coming from the rear for second to stablemate Frankie Major.
It’s the second recent scare Next To Me has given the Lincoln Farms camp - only last month there were fears he had damaged a tendon when a lump appeared on his leg, which turned out to be only a bang.
The Bettor’s Delight gelding is from the prolific winning family of Woodlands Stud’s the late Charlie Roberts, his dam Splendid Deal having produced, among others, Victoria Derby winner Maxim (12 wins) and NZ Oaks winner Splendour (8 wins).
Second dam Splendid Dreams, a half sister to Adore Me (26 wins, 1:47.7) and Have Faith In Me (41 wins, 1:49.6, $US1.5million), was the 2015-16 Broodmare of the Year and left the champions Christen Me (51 wins, 1:49.1, $US2.4million) and Dream About Me (25 wins, $1.4million).
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
