Zealand Star pictured winning at Cambridge. PHOTO: FokusPhotography.
More tests for Zealand Star after sudden lameness baffles Green
By Barry Lichter • 20 March 2019
Trainer Ray Green is hoping a second vet can find what’s ailing Zealand Star who suddenly went lame on Tuesday.
Zealand Star, who has proved a revelation since Green took the horse over for Australian owner Merv Butterworth, walked to morning trackwork seemingly fine but was lame as soon as stepped off in a pace.
“We had lots of X-rays taken but couldn’t find anything,’’ says Green. “It’s in the stifle area but it must be a soft tissue thing.
“He’s obviously done something to himself in the night. He walks OK but once he’s out of a walk he’s lame as.’’
Green has summoned another vet to Lincoln Farms tomorrow in the hope they can find the problem.
The stifle area is the largest and most complicated joint in the horse’s body and injuries can be notoriously difficult to pinpoint.
“Until they suss out what’s wrong I have no way of knowing how long he will be out.’’
Zealand Star was to have run in the sixth race at Auckland on Friday night, back to a mobile after again struggling with a standing start last week.
Five starts back at Cambridge he showed what he was capable of when setting a track record 1:54.8 for 1700 metres.
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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
7.39pm
“He ran good time (2:41.7) last start and wasn’t given much peace in the lead. He’s an honest little fellow who is racing well and he moves in one, to five, with the early scratching. You can’t fault what he’s doing and he’s definitely a chance to get some of the money again.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.54pm
“He dogged up on the pole last time so we’ve taken it off this week. He’ll get his head round but at least he’ll steer better and go forward. He’s taken a little longer to come to it but he’s getting better each time and is racing well.”
Race 6: Johnny Lincoln
8.15pm
“Fergie said he’d have run straight past them with a clear run last week. There was a gap in the straight but it closed when he got to it. He’s not the best on the bends yet and can get keen but he’s a work in progress. He still has a bit to learn but he’s getting better. He should get a good trip from the pole and be right in it.”
