The Lazarus Effect stamps himself as serious Cup contender
Lazarus five-year-old, The Lazarus Effect, has now won three of the major New Zealand Trotting Cup lead up races, after producing a stunning front-running performance to win the $60,000 NZB Airfreight Flying Stakes at Ashburton.
The Bob Butt-trained and driven pacer combined brilliant manners, tactical speed and extraordinary closing sectionals to hold off hot favourite Marketplace in a thrilling finish to the Group 2 feature.
Stepping away perfectly from the standing start over 2400m, The Lazarus Effect quickly established himself in front.
Having made his intentions clear before the race, Butt was able to dictate proceedings aboard The Lazarus Effect, with his rivals opting not to challenge him for the lead.
That proved crucial as they enjoyed a comfortable run in front before unleashing a remarkable finishing burst that left his opposition with too much ground to make up.
By the time the field turned for home, Butt had plenty of horse left and The Lazarus Effect responded with a devastating turn of foot.
Despite Marketplace charging home late, The Lazarus Effect refused to surrender, holding on for an impressive victory.
The performance became even more remarkable when the sectionals were revealed.
The Lazarus Effect paced his final 800m in a sizzling 52.8 seconds, including an extraordinary final 400m in just 25.1 seconds.
It was a performance that highlighted not only The Lazarus Effect's raw speed but also his ability to control a race from the front and still produce a powerful finish when challenged.
The Lazarus Effect yet again showed he has the manners, speed and determination to compete with the best open-class pacers.
Attention now turns to the Go Media New Zealand Cup at Addington on November 10, where The Lazarus Effect has firmly established himself as a major contender.
His ability to begin quickly from a standing start could prove a significant advantage in the Cup, particularly during the crucial early stages when positions are being established.
With Butt able to use his standing start speed and tactical versatility, The Lazarus Effect could play a major role in shaping how the country's biggest pacing race unfolds.
Butt told Wai Eyre Farm that the next race for The Lazarus Effect will be the New Zealand Cup, however he may start in the Cup trial should he require a further run before the great race.
Remarkably, The Lazarus Effect has not finished further back than fourth in all 23 of his career starts.
He’s now won 14 of them, finished second six times and placed third once for $377,580 in stakes.
He is out of Art Major mare, Brook Street.
The Lazarus Effect is one of just 15 five-year-olds in New Zealand by Lazarus, all of which have raced or qualified, and two of those horses are nominated for the New Zealand Cup (The Lazarus Effect and Jeremiah).
Lazarus also tasted success over the weekend with Shez Assured recording a dominant five length win at Timaru on Sunday, whilst two-year-old Jorja recorded her third second placing from as many starts in the 2YO Sires Stakes Fillies heat.
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