Lazarus claims first Australasian Group siring success

Dual hemisphere harness racing stallion, Lazarus N, claimed his first Australasian group race-siring success when Sir Knight and Robbie Morris caused the biggest boilover on a feature night since Polly put the kettle on.

The five-start maiden was given virtually no chance from the punters, being sent out at the astronomical odds of $102 to one to win the $100,000 G2 Cobbitty Equine NSW Breeders Challenge Final for 2YO Colts & Geldings.

The lack of support was somewhat unjustified with the gelding having run a slasher to qualify for the final, finishing second 11 days earlier after sitting parked throughout the majority of his heat.

Unperturbed, Morris and Sir Knight set about plotting a path that would soon flip the script of Eureka night on its head and set the tone for what was to come later in the evening.

Taken back from barrier nine, Morris was able to weave his way down to the pegs with the Elizabeth Heath-trained runner landing a cushy trip three back on the running rail throughout the mile sprint feature.

The field was being headed up by Mitch Turnbull and Misterforuthousand (Warrawee Needy) with Luke McCarthy and The Greek General content to sit at the leaders wheel as they dawdled down the back in a 31.5 second quarter after a sedate lead time of 28.4.

Sitting in the trail was Double Fear (Fear The Dragon) and David Morris who sensing the need to get urgent for what was to be a dash for the cash, worked off the pegs entering the home straight and began to set after the lead pair.

This all played into the hands of the juvenile son of Lazarus who was able to work closer to the lead without having to leave the rails. When the gap appeared halfway down the straight, Sir Knight and Morris were good enough to capitalise and claim the Group Two feature by half a length from a game Double Fear, and a fast finishing race favourite Vite Monet (Warrawee Needy) and Will Rixon.

The victory was underscored by a sharp last quarter of 26.8, with the winning time for the mile being 1:55.8.

The juvenile gelding is owned and bred by Reg Walsh who has experienced great success with the progeny of his dam, Jennas Beach Boy mare, Shalom. She has produced six winners from seven foals with tonight’s G2 success being the 41st race victory from Shalom’s offspring.

SIR KNIGHT REPLAY

The win was also just the fourth ever Group Race success for trainer, Elizabeth Heath and her first since taking out the G1 NSW Derby back in 2011 with Excel Stride.

For complete race results, click here.

by Brad Reid, for Harnesslink