By Jonny Turner
One of Kirk Larsen’s winning chances at Ascot Park on Wednesday has plenty of options, while the other doesn’t.
Larsen heads to the twilight races with two up-and-coming youngsters, Ward Lamon and Fernco Nel.
Ward Lamon impressed in his last Ascot Park outing when sweeping home from off the pace to score.
In doing so the pacer sharply improved on his fresh up fifth at Winton.
“He is a nice wee horse on his day, he was looking good but I felt he was still a bit fat because I was disappointed in his first up run,” Larsen said.
“But he has obviously taken benefit from his workouts and having a race and that was more like him.”
Ward Lamon will back up just five days after his victory when stepping up in grade in Wednesday’s finale.
While it’s not a perfect scenario, it does have its benefits.
“I wouldn’t usually back him up like this, but if he didn’t start this week he wouldn’t be able to have a run for a while because I am not keen to start him on the grass at this stage,” Larsen said.
“And he can get into the race with a concession, so it is worth a go.”
Ollie Kite, a lynchpin at Nathan Williamson’s Group 1 winning stable, will take the reins behind Ward Lamon.
Starting from barrier 1 on the second row, the horse’s chances will rely on what happens around him.
“He can do a bit of work, but you are always wearing of burning them up early in their prep.”
“He got home really good last week, so the draw probably works out not too bad for him.”
“He will need a bit of luck, but if he gets it he should go handy enough.”
Larsen and Fernco Nel will have many more options when the youngster fronts up in Wednesday’s two-year-old event.
Fernco Nel impressed in his debut at the same track earlier this month when hitting the line strongly for second after only seeing clear air late.
From barrier 4, Larsen will have the option of making his own luck.
“First start you are always a bit cautious, he was a wee bit green when I first got out but once he got balanced up he got home really good.”
“He hasn’t done much between runs, we have just kept him ticking over.”
“It is probably the ideal race for him, being a two-year-old maiden.”
“He has got gate speed, but there does look to be a bit of speed inside us so we will see what happens.”
“You would think his first run would only have brought him on, so he should go near enough either way.”
Fernco Nel opened a $2.70 favourite while Ward Lamon has been rated at juicy $17 odds.
