He’s just having that Effect

We’ve  known The Lazarus Effect (Lazarus) is a rising star, but today he confirmed it when he demonstrated a will to win and a toughness that points to him being a genuine Cup chance next year.

However his next test in the $100,000 Group One Ascot Park Invercargill Cup at Ascot Park in a fortnight will give us a better handle on just where he sits.

“It’ll be a big step up. He’s in that grade now so he’s got to race those ones. After his run in the Christian Cullen he deserves his shot at it,” trainer driver Bob Butt said.

In the Group One feature he’ll take on Republican Party and Chase A Dream as well as other hardened free for all pacers.

Today in the $25,000 Placemakers Geraldine Cup Butt took the four year old straight to the top and turning in, he had to withstand a challenge from It’s Tough and a late charge from Tanzania, who trailed him and came with a late run up the inside.

At the end of the 2850 metres The Lazarus Effect had half a length to spare on Tanzania with a neck back to It’s Tough.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT REPLAY

“He probably didn’t feel as sharp as he usually can but maybe it was because it was his first time on the grass. I never really thought he was the winner, but he stuck his neck out. His record shows he’s got a will to win. A lot of times he’s beaten them on brilliance and other times he’s had to do a bit of hard yacker.”

His winning time of 3-34.7 smashed the race record of 3-37.8 recorded by 2017 winner Seaswift Joy.

“When I heard they went a 2-01 mile rate I thought it was probably a track record. We were bowling along nicely but I didn’t think we were going that quick.”

The Lazarus Effect raced by the Alabar Racing Syndicate 2022, was bred by Martin Pearson who sold him at the 2022 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales for $57,500.

“Full credit to them. If they hadn’t been patient he probably wouldn’t be racing. He just has to step up and be competitive with the good one. He’s in that spot now and he will go with them or he won’t.”

Some in the syndicate raced Chase Auckland, the winner of fourteen races and over $800,000.

“They’ve had a of success with horses like Franco Indie and Chase Auckland.”

When asked if The Lazarus Effect was the best horse he’d trained, Butt wasn’t prepared to commit.

“I’ve had some good trotters that have won Group Ones so I wouldn’t like to say he’s the best one yet. He’s still got a bit to prove. He stepped up in my eyes in the big four year old (Christian Cullen) when he did a heap of work that night. I’d say it was his best run but he really stepped up at Kaikoura too.”

After looking sharp and winning his first three starts his unbeaten record was halted.

“He won his first few races really good. Then he got beat a couple of times and he probably wasn’t quite right. I took him down south and he went 2-54 fresh up and I think it may have just knocked him a bit. We freshened him up and he was away again.”

Butt acknowledges he’s blessed to have the right facilities to train the four year old.

“I’m just lucky that I’ve got all the facilities that suit him. He uses the beach, water walker and the pool. If we look after him now, hopefully we get a bit of longevity out of him. He’ll go in the cart three times a week down the beach, then on his off days he goes on the water walker. I’ve trained him and been wary of his issues. The rest of it he’s done himself. Full credit to the horse.”

After doing his initial preparation for Mark and Nathan Purdon, The Lazarus Effect was sent to Woodend Beach to be trained by Butt.

“Mark and Nathan handed him to me and they always had a big opinion of him when he was young. To be honest when he first came to me the vet said he probably wouldn’t make it. We just pressed on and here he is. With him it’s a cartilage and bone thing. We just have to keep him off the hard tracks as much as we can. The pool and the water worker just suit him. He’s as sound now as he was on the day he came into work.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink