Injury concern for NZ Cup winner

Superstar pacer Copy That’s immediate future hangs in the balance.

Ray Green’s NZ Cup hero lashed-out and caught his leg on a rail, forcing his scratching from his latest outing at Ballarat.

The bigger picture is a far greater concern.

An exhaustive examination at the Ballarat Veterinary Clinic should give a clearer picture.

“Let’s hope it’s just superficial,” owner Merv Butterworth said.

“We had (renowned vet) Dr Alistair MacLean come and look at him (Sunday), but it was too early to tell. We will know more tomorrow.

“There were signs of soreness, but whether it’s minor or something more serious we just don’t know yet.”

The setback continues a horror start to Copy That’s Victorian raid, which was aimed ultimately at the Hunter Cup.

He raced miles below his best when a distant last in the Cranbourne Cup to open his campaign.

Connections put it down to the travel and work he did in the early and middle stages of the race.

by Adam Hamilton