Lavra Joe will need luck

Harness racing trainer Ray Jones admits he can’t put his finger on what made Lavra Joe (Roll With Joe) gallop out in last week’s Retravision-Fremantle Cup (2536m) but is confident it won’t be an issue going forward.

The five-year-old couldn’t lead from barrier one in last week’s feature after of galloping out, but still went on to finish fifth behind Mighty Ronaldo.

Lavra Joe trialled at Bunbury on Tuesday, where he led and won the 2100m heat in 1:58.7.

Jones said it was a pleasing trial following last week’s strange start.

“Last Friday was a bit disappointing, but he did trial well on Tuesday,” Jones told The Trots WA.

“We don’t know what happened in the Fremantle Cup because he’s never done anything like that before.

“It might have been some little thing that he jumped at.

“He nearly kicked up and held the lead.

“I think it was something that was out of the ordinary.”

Despite the disappointment of last Friday, the gelding appears to be on target for next Friday’s TABtouch-WA Pacing Cup (2936m).

Lavra Joe will round out his preparation for the $450,000 event in this week’s The Countryman Pace (2130m) and had to draw barrier nine.

It looks set to be a difficult task for Lavra Joe, with fancied runners Wildwest, Sangue Reale and Prince Of Pleasure drawn inside him.

Jones said Lavra Joe would need luck to figure in the finish this week.

“He will probably go back from there and I’ll be happy if he runs home well,” he said.

“I’d be surprised if Chris wasn’t making a move with a lap to go.

“He will be having a good hit-out and he’s copped the work this week.

“I’m hoping he won’t be a run short in the Pacing Cup.”

Despite the wide draw, Lavra Joe is the $3.60 favourite with TABtouch for tomorrow’s Free-For-All.

Sangue Reale, an impressive winner last week, is on the second line of betting at $4.20.

Trainer Gary Hall Snr has three runners in the race with Prince Of Pleasure, Wildwest and The Ideal Touch at $4.80, $6.50 and $7 respectively.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim Walker, for RWWA