Lazarus just arrogant in Victoria Derby win

As we have got closer to tonights $200,000 Group 1 Victoria Derby at Tabcorp Park Melton, more and more of the local harness racing trainers were saying that Lazarus was far from a past the post proprosition and was vunerable from his poor second line draw.

Several suggested that he had been shown too much respect in his Derby heat win and that wouldn't be happening this week and he was very beatable.

Trainer Mark Purdon as per normal for the reserved horseman refused to buy into the banter and instead was content to say he was thrilled where his colt was fitness wise and thought he would run a big race.

And what a fantastic run it turned out to be as he worked hard throughout the Derby but still had enough gas in the tank to brush home in a brilliant 26.3 to add his name to the Victoria Derby honour roll.

The very talented Don't Hold Back grabbed the lead early from barrier five for driver Greg Sugars and quickly signalled that he was in no mind to hand up.

Mark Purdon was quickly onto the early three wide line but was left three wide for nearly 800 metres before finding the death seat outside Don't Hold Back with 1100 metres to go.

Sugars was happy to let Don't Hold Back cut out even quarters in front before upping the tempo down the back straight.

At the 400 metres mark Don't Hold Back went for the doctor and put a length on Lazarus and it appeared that an upset was on the cards.

But as soon as Mark Purdon went for Lazarus, he quickly dashed up to Don't Hold Back and put the race to bed in a few big strides.

Three Ways after sitting in the trail the whole journey snuck up the passing lane late to grab second from a very game Don't Hold Back.

The colt by Bettor's Delight paced the 2240 metres in a brilliant 2:40.2, a mile rate of 1:55.1 with closing sectionals of 55 and 26.3.

Lazarus has just had the 14 starts now for 12 wins and has taken his earnings past the $600,000 mark.

The arrogance of the win by Lazarus tonight in doing a lot more work in the Derby and yet still getting away from his opposition when it counted stamps as a colt with a huge future in front of him.

Harnesslink Media