So far, so good, says Ray on Copy That - first round of X-ray follow-ups show no change
By Barry Lichter • 12 October 2023
X-rays of Copy That’s injured knee today showed no change - a small first win, says trainer Ray Green.
“The vets were happy - they were looking for any change - and because it’s not any worse I would call that a good result.”
Green says while he’s pleased there was no widening of the gap in the faint fracture lines on his carpal bone, a week after their discovery, the telling X-rays won’t be for another five weeks.
“That will determine whether he’s still a racehorse or not. Until that five weeks is up we don’t really know what we’re up against but he’s certainly not any lamer than he was.”
Green has been spending plenty of time with the horse every day since his return from the Matamata Veterinary Services clinic last Thursday and says he’s coping well with being confined to his box.
“I take him out for 15 to 20 minutes every day for a walk and pick of grass. I actually put him in the cart or he’s too bouncy. I can control him better that way.”
To ensure Copy That’s muscles don’t atrophy, Green also goes through a routine of prescribed stretches with him in his box.
“There’s only so much you can do but I do spend time with him. I don’t want to piss him off but it helps him not go stir crazy.
“It can be like a railway station here at times with horses wandering all around.”
Green took injured stablemate The Big Lebowski home to his Tuakau property for that very reason to help in his recovery from the tendon injury which sidelined him last August.
Green says if Copy That gets the all clear in five weeks, and is sound, he’ll start his rehab with six weeks on a water walker.
“He’ll then have scintigraphy again and if he clears all those hurdles we’ll be back in business.”
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.06pm
“He hung badly all the way last time without a boring pole but that will be back on this week. And we’ve taken off his overcheck. He seemed to resent that. I trained him yesterday and he went really well. I expect him to go a lot better.”
Race 1: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.06pm
“Fergie had to do an adjustment on the cart last week and the horse got fractious and just kicked out. I think he would have gone well but their policy is to scratch them if there’s any sign of blood. He’s certainly hard work but he trained well this week - he didn’t put a foot wrong and paced well.”
Race 2: The Rascal
5.46pm
“He still struggles on the corners going full out. He’s OK when they’re tootling along but when they sprint, he finds it difficult. The drivers just have to nurse him and, driven like that, he should be hard to beat.”
Race 4: Kevin Kline
6.58pm
“He never had a chance to get any money last time, when caught four back on the pegs - it was just one of those races. But he hit the line well and I’m pretty sure he’ll go well again. Mantra Blue is a good mare but she only fell in last time and she could be vulnerable from the 30 metre handicap.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
6.58pm
“He steps well and Fergie showed last time he really knows how to drive him. If he’s on the fence he doesn’t put a foot wrong, it’s only when he gets out wide that he can mix it up.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
8.46pm
“He’s as honest as they come but he’ll need a run or two to tighten him up. He hasn’t raced for a while and he’s a little fat guy.”
Race 7: Prince Lincoln
8.46pm
“He’s a lovely horse who been training really well and he won his recent workout in good time. He has a bit more lick than our other runner Lincoln Lover and he should go well this time in.”
