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.”
More news in Harness
Brace for Ray and Lincoln Farms at Cambridge but Colonel’s placing just as thrilling
Ray: Preferential draw for top fillies makes it tough for everyone else in Golden Gait series
Patient owners hoping high-priced Colonel can salute at Cambridge on Thursday night
Friday’s Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup all about the standing start manners of Aussie raider
Our runners this week
Tuesday at Cambridge
Colonel Lincoln, Onyx Shard, Commander Lincoln, Debbie Lincoln, Kevin Kline, Lincoln La Moose, The Big Lebowski.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
5.51pm
“Back to Cambridge and the easier amateur ranks he can get some of it. He’s an honest little horse who pays his way.”
Race 4: Onyx Shard
6.49pm
“She’s a nice filly who is training really well and it wouldn’t surprise me to see her in the money in spite of the outside draw. She’d be one of the best in that field and is definitely an each-way chance.”
Race 6: Colonel Lincoln
7.39pm
“He hasn’t raced for nearly 21 months but his training has been good and he should go well first-up. He’s a beautiful, big horse who probably lacks a yard of speed to be a real super horse but he’s got everything else. I expect him to go well against this lot.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
8.04pm
“He’s training well and has surprised us before, like when he won his first start at Cambridge like a monster after breaking on the first turn. It’s always the way when they win their first start - it makes things hard for them after that - but he’s travelling well now and is capable of being in it.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Lincoln Lou
7.09pm
“He’ll be relying on a heap of good luck from the second row. His last run was a non-event. The poor little bugger couldn’t have done a better job of finding trouble. He’s trained on all right.”
Race 4: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.09pm
“He’s training really well and he showed last time what a big motor he had, losing all that ground early and still getting up to win. He’s not famous for his gate speed but as long as he gets away safely then Maurice can put him in the race at the right time. There are a lot of horses in there that aren’t that safe who could stand on their ear. Navigating through them is always a worry. He’ll need some luck but he could give them a fright.”
Race 6: Frisco Bay
8.05pm
“He obviously can’t beat Duchess Megxit or Jeremiah but if he gets a good trip he’s a chance of getting some money. Things didn’t suit him last time - being out three wide then going to the front. He’s so hot, he over-races. He goes best if he’s allowed to slop out and find the back of something, when he generally relaxes. Even if he got back a bit, that would be all right, so long as he gets sucked along.”
