By Jonny Turner
Kirk Larsen is keeping his options open as he chases down a deserved win with Ward Lamon.
The pacer has been brilliantly consistent through the autumn and winter, coming into race 7 at Ascot Park on Friday on the back of three second placings.
While tactics look obvious for Larsen with Ward Lamon perfectly placed in barrier 3, the trainer-driver has plenty of choices in front of him.
“From 3, it would be good if we were able to punch out and lead, but it’s not the be-all and end-all,” Larsen said.
“We haven’t whizzed him out too many times, but when we have he has shown good gate speed.”
“He has been really good when we have driven him in behind, too.”
“So, we will just have to see how things pan out and what the other ones do.”
Ward Lamon sat parked for much of his last start second at Winton, putting up yet another strong effort.
In his previous second, the pacer was second to the unbeaten Southside Of Heaven at Ascot Park, when only getting out late.
“He has been getting pretty close, we would love to win one with him soon so we can put him out for a break.”
“These one-win races are pretty competitive, Terra Sancta and Bonnie’s Girl, and Rollon Summer look handy chances.”
“But hopefully he can go another good race.”
Ward Lamon was rated the $7 third favourite in early betting for race 7 on Friday.
Newcomer to the Craig Ferguson stable Rollon Summer was quickly backed into $2.50 odds.
Larsen also lines up Blue Star Hima in race 1 on Friday.
The pacer comes into the event on the back of a steady last start sixth at the same track.
Blue Star Hima showed enough early speed in his last start to put himself in a handy spot on Friday.
“I was a little disappointed in him last start, but he ended up three back and they walked and sprinted a 28sec quarter,” Larsen said.
“Ideally, if he could punch out and roll along that would suit him.”
“I have always liked him, so hopefully he can start showing it.”
Larsen also starts Kiss Me Kate who looks an outside hope in race 2.
