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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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
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.”
