Lazarus Stakes draws top field

Akuta (Bettor’s Delight) will be the raging harness racing favourite for Friday night’s (Sep. 30) inaugural running of the Lazarus Three Year Old Stakes. But outside of that, punters will have a variety of views on who will fill the minor placings.

Southland trainer Nathan Williamson hasn’t had many lead up races to choose from, so Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere) will go into Friday’s feature fresh.

“He’s in good health. I’ve had a few steering issues with him at home and we’re working on them.

He’s up to that grade but he may take a run or two because he’s pretty big and burly at the moment.

I think he’s improved since his last prep,” Williamson said.

Sand Wave has won seven of his last eight starts.

Talented colt Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) impressed on his return to the racetrack on 9th September at Addington, when he capitalised on a nice run to win easily by a length and a half. But trainer Cran Dalgety concedes he’s running for a minor placing.

“He’s well, but I’ve got a thirteen start three year old running against the New Zealand Cup favourite so we can’t be too confident. Because he rolls the gate it’s a bit of an advantage. I’d rather have Akuta give us a start than us give him one,” Dalgety said.

Robert and Jenna Dunn line up Magic Four (Bettor’s Delight). He should be able to take advantage of his four draw with the early fireworks expected to come from his outside.

“I was happy with his fourth last time out. He was three back on the fence in a slowly run race and we sprinted home. He didn’t take the passing lane as well as I would have liked but he still hit the line and he was still travelling after the post.”

Although it’s a small field there’ll be plenty of interest.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink