Racing: Lazarus can rise to occasion

Smolda could be the New Zealand Cup favourite should he win the Flying Stakes at Ashburton.Picture / Christine Cornege

On a day like yesterday conversations with Mark Purdon happen fast.

That is if you are lucky enough to be able to get the champion trainer on the phone at all.

It is not that Purdon is rude, he is simply busy. Busy in a way maybe no other harness racing trainer in Australasia has been busy before.

Busier still because his training partner Natalie Rasmussen broke her elbow in a race smash at Methven on Sunday, went on to drive Messini to win the Methven Cup but now can't drive for another month.

That leaves stable underling Tim Williams as Messini's likely replacement driver and Purdon short of hands (excuse the pun) as the stable is set to blast off for the season.

But really, how busy can Purdon really be? Read on.

Tonight at Addington he has the three favourites in the Sires' Stakes heat in Lazarus, Motu Premier and Chase The Dream, that trio leading a nine-strong team at the meeting.

Still, that isn't as crazy as Ashburton on Monday where the stable has 12 runners, many of whom will be favourites and include potential NZ Cup winner Smolda, champion youngster Have Faith In Me and a handful of other horses that would be the absolute best in almost any other stable in the country.

"It has been pretty crazy this week," admits Purdon.

"We have been under a little pressure and to be honest we have advertised for more staff because we need more help.

"Everything is still getting done but it makes for some long days."

The minute Purdon has to discuss tonight's Sires' Stakes heat is filled by telling us Lazarus is ready to win after his recent workouts and Purdon thinks he will lead but that Motu Premier has improved this season, and if he sits in the trail he will push his stablemate close.

"There wouldn't be a lot in it, but I'd favour Lazarus, just. And Chase The Dream has his work cut out because of the draw," offers Purdon.

MacKenzie (race one) is stronger than last season and has trialled well so Purdon thinks she can win fresh up while he favours Stroke Of Luck of his two runners in race four.

Blackguard's Corner is an obvious hope in race eight while Benicio only needs to step away to win the race tonight.

"And we have Superfecta in race nine and he went good last week but his draw this week is tricky for him." A quick change of tack reveals Purdon realises Smolda could be the New Zealand Cup favourite should he win the Flying Stakes at Ashburton and he believes the mantle would sit comfortably if the troubles with Christen Me continue.

"We couldn't be happier with Smolda," he says.

"He needed that run fresh up and has improved with it and he can win the Cup for sure. But of course it won't be easy." Purdon says potentially the best horse in the stable -- now that really is a serious honour -- Have Faith In Me will be below his peak for Monday when he takes on near forgotten stablemate Didjamakem Bolt.

"He hasn't filled out as much as you would think one of those really good horses might, but I think that is just how he is going to be. A bit of a Luxury Liner type," he says.

"Often in this grade they need a run when they come back to win but he is probably good enough to get away with it."

You know this is a stable like no other when Purdon mentions in passing two-time Jewels winner King Denny has joined another barn because of his soreness issues.

And then the phone call is over. A few manic minutes digging for punting gold at the richest vein of talent in the harness racing world.

Purdon has to go, a truck has just arrived with one of their horses who has been spelling.

Her name is Dream About Me, champion filly, Breeders Crown winner and one of most valuable female pacers in the world.

"She just got back and she looks great," enthuses Purdon. "She will start back working on Monday along with Waikiki Beach [unbeaten Breeders Crown champion]."

Thanks Mark, we will let you go, sounds like you have a bit on at the moment.

ADDINGTON ANGLES
- Champion trainer Mark Purdon favours Lazarus on his three winning hopes in the Sires' Stakes at Addington tonight.
- Purdon rates MacKenzie (race one) and Benicio (race 10) the stable's two best chances.
- Smolda headlines an enormous team of talent for Ashburton's mega meeting on Monday.