New Zealand star Copy That will line up in the Group 1 Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup after an endoscopic examination on Thursday morning failed to reveal any significant internal issues.
Trainer Ray Green had been monitoring the Kiwi pacer after it was discovered he suffered a minor grade two bleed following a fifth placing in last Saturday night’s TAB Smoken Up Sprint, where he was beaten just under 7m.
But the horse was passed fit to run by veterinarians and that just left Green to confirm his place in the Grand Circuit feature.
“He scoped good, nice and clean, so we are back in the game,” Green, who is based at Anton Golino’s stables in Cardigan, said.
“It’s a long way to come to get a scratch, but we are good to go.”
Green said the five-year-old winner of almost $1million had completed all his key pieces of work and it’s now all systems go towards the race at 9.39pm on Saturday night.
Asked whether he thought Copy That – a major drifter out to $14 with the TAB – was capable of winning the Victoria Cup, Green was quick and succinct with his answer.
“Absolutely,” he said.
Nathan Jack will drive Copy That, with the pair starting from barrier eight.
Last year’s New Zealand Cup champ has won one of three runs during his current Victorian campaign and is booked to fly home after the Victoria Cup, regardless of the result.
There was plenty of drama out of the Smoken Up Sprint, with Aaron Dunn’s star Bondi Lockdown suffering a serious bleeding attack and subsequently stood down for three months.
>> READ MORE: Minor bleed leaves Copy That in some doubt for Vic Cup
