The harness racing pundits were unsure pre race who was the most likely winner of this years $200,000 PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales Pace with several runners having their supporters.
The All star barn had four runners involved and all had solid support on the tote with Lazarus the best supported of those due to his front row draw of six.
Motu Premier and Tim Williams led from barrier two before handing up to Lazarus and Mark Purdon after 400 metres.
Art Form and David Butcher went forward from barrier eight to sit parked giving Shandale and Maurice McKendry the one by one.
Going past the 900 metres, Maurice hooked Shandale out three wide but as soon as he did the speed went on up front and Shandale was left out there for the rest of the race.
Lazarus brushed down the back in 28.8 before Mark Purdon really upped the ante with a last 400 metres in 26.8 to cruise home a comfortable victory by 2 1/4 lengths over a very game Shandale who kept coming in the straight to just nose out Motu Premier for second.
Like a lot of the All Star barn , Lazarus is a son of Bettors Delight and was purchased out of last years New Zealand Premier yearling sale at Christchurch for $75,000
Lazarus paced the 1950 metres in 2:21.2, a mile rate of 1:56.5 with closing sectionals of 55.6 and 26.8.
Mark Purdon was pleased with todays run.
" He has gone really well today and was still going strong at the finish."
" This has been his main aim all season so its good to get him here in such good form."
" We have a big opinion of him and think he will make a really nice three year old," Mark said.
Lazarus is owned by Mrs G J Kennard, P I Kennard, T G Casey and K J Riseley and was bred by G Chin and Studholme Bloodstock Limited. He is the second foal and first colt out of the Christian Cullen mare Spirit Of Beth.
Lazarus has now had the six lifetime starts for five wins and a second for $178,050 in earnings.
You couldn't take the smile off Maurice McKendry's face post race.
" Shandale has gone super and I was rapt with his performance."
" He is still pretty inexperienced and got a bit lost when I pulled him out but he has fought on really well.
" The good thing is I think there is still a fair bit of improvement left in him going forward," Maurice said.
With the New Zealand Sires Stakes and Harness Jewels still to come, we are in for some very exciting racing over the next three weeks.
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