Copy That in perfect health and will have a surprise outing at Ballarat on Sunday

Copy That will make a surprise appearance in the A$24,000 Sokyola Sprint (1710m) at Ballarat on Sunday after passing every vet check this week with flying colours.

Trainer Ray Green had the horse exhaustively tested after he weakened out to run a distant last in his campaign opener at Cranbourne last Saturday night.

“His blood is perfect, he scoped perfectly, I had his heart looked at and it’s perfect. Everything is perfect.

“He’s eating well and looks super, so why not race him instead of going round at the trials for no money? That’s what we’re here for.

“While you like to find a reason for a bad performance, the reason was he had such an awful trip.”

Caught five wide early then four wide and three wide round the first turn, Copy That made an aborted attack for the lead before briefly landing the one-one then sprinting round to sit parked for the rest of the 2555 metre cup.

Green confirmed Chris Svanosio would retain the drive on Copy That and this time he will have carte blanche to do what he likes.

“We shouldn’t have insisted he drive the horse aggressively at Cranbourne.

“I should have said ‘do your own thing’ which is what I normally do - let the drivers be drivers.

“Chris knows the other drivers and horses so there’s no point in me getting in my two pennies worth.”

Green says the timing of the Ballarat race is perfect for Copy That, giving him two weeks until his next target, the A$70,000 Bendigo Cup on January 8.

“He’ll draw the outside but that’s good as it means he’ll probably have to go back.

“They’re not expecting a stellar bunch so with his speed he should be able to get over the top of them.”

Green says the 1710 metre trip wouldn’t overly tax Copy That and should have him primed for his next start.

“But I really just want to see him go round properly and not stop like he did last time.”

The fields for Ballarat are expected to be posted tomorrow.