By Brigette Solomon
He’s regarded as New Zealand’s best pacer in recent history and now the first of Lazarus’ progeny is about to hit the racetrack in this country.
Tonight at Alexandra Park Jeremiah (Lazarus – Flyover) will make his debut in race 9, the Auckland Co-op Taxis 300-3000 Mobile pace at 9.17pm for trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan.
The two-year-old black colt will be the stallion’s first starter in New Zealand. He looked smart when qualifying at Pukekohe last week.
“He has plenty of ability but he’s only had two trials, so he has a bit of ringcraft to learn as yet,” says Phelan.
Lazarus, a two-time New Zealand Cup champion who amassed more than four million dollars in stakes, stands at Nevele R Stud in Canterbury under a joint marketing and management deal with Alabar.
Alabar Stud Manager Graeme Henley is looking forward to Jeremiah hitting the track.
“We are very excited to see the first Lazarus offspring to race in New Zealand, Jeremiah looks a nice horse and Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan don’t line two-year-olds up if they don’t have some ability.”
Lazarus’ oldest crop in the Southern Hemisphere are two-year-olds with his first winner in the southern hemisphere being Stylish Lazarus at Bathurst in March this year.
Alongside Jeremiah the Purdon-Phelan team have four other runners including Gandalf in Race 2 and Montana DJ in Race 6.
“Both horses have been racing well and should be a good chance,” says Phelan.
The stable also has Benson Dude in Race 7 and Ilsas Son in Race 8.
There is some good form to be found amongst the trotters on Thursday night with Race 5 including last start winners With Ice and Dream Of You. Also in the field is the John Dickie trained That’s What We Do, who has won a trial after going amiss last start, and seven race winner Aflyin Spur resumes for new trainer Todd Mitchell. Seasoned performers Kings Landing, Invictus and Springbank Mason also start in the same race for trainers Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett.
