Racing: Champion pacer Lazarus beaten in Sydney

Mark Purdon and Lazarus. Photo / Racing Desk

Trainer Mark Purdon says he is relieved he has a week to turn champion pacer Lazarus around after he only battled his way into next week's Miracle Mile by finishing third at Menangle on Saturday night.

The Kiwi pacing hero raced well below his best when beaten by TIger Tara and My Field Marshall in his A$100,000 qualifying race, having to be brave to even secure that spot after looking under severe pressure at the 400m mark.

By finishing third Lazarus did enough to secure an invite to next Saturday's $750,000 great race but Purdon knows the five-year-old superstar will need to improve.

"He raced below his best obviously after contracting a bit of a bug that some of the team has had," said Purdon.

"I didn't think it would bother him and his blood report had been good.

"And we even had a vet scope him this morning (Saturday) and said he was fine to race.
"We told the stewards all about this and I still thought he would win but once he got crossed at the start and had to work hard it showed he wasn't at his best."

Purdon said the type of bug which must have been lingering in Lazarus's system tends to clear up quickly and he is hopeful he can have him back to his peak for next Saturday.

"But it knocks your confidence. I will know a lot more on Wednesday or Thursday." My Field Marshal gives New Zealand two pacers in the eight-strong field but with Lazarus best known for his epic wins over longer distances, he rivals will feel it is game on for next Saturday night.

The all-important barrier draw for the Miracle Mile will be held around 3.30pm Sunday afternoon NZ time.

The field for the race is: Anything For Love, Soho Tribeca, Charlaval, Tiger Tara, My Field Marshal, Lazarus, Lennytheshark, Jilliby Kung Fu. Emergencies: Let It Ride, Atomic Red.