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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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
